Alcoholic Neuropathy & Treatment

A myriad of emotional and physical problems are associated with alcoholism, and one of the most overlooked is alcoholic neuropathy. People who have been alcoholic for several years may begin to develop problems controlling their muscles; and if the problem persists, it could end in death. Alcoholic neuropathy is treatable, but only if the person affected is willing to get the help they need and to stop drinking.

Alcoholic Neuropathy Overview

• While the exact cause of alcoholic neuropathy is still under scrutiny, long-term abuse of alcohol often results in nerve damage, likely linked to nutritional deficiencies created by the alcoholism itself. When people are heavily into alcoholism, usually for 10 years or longer, they rarely eat food let as well as balanced and nutritional meal so they body has the toxic effects of the alcohol along with malnutrition.

  Alcoholic neuropathy traditional begins to appear after several years of alcohol abuse and starts out with numbness and tingling in the extremities, possible burning of the bottom of the feet, difficulty urinating, impotence and other muscle abnormalities. If the problem persists, it can begin affecting the autonomic nervous system that controls the automatic body functions. This could lead to eventual disability and death.

Diagnosis/Treatment

• Alcoholics can traditionally hide their problems from almost everyone including doctors and without being notified of their abuse, alcoholic neuropathy can be misdiagnosed as another neurological disorder. It is imperative that you are open and honest with the doctor when you talk to him. He will do a neurological exam and ask you questions regarding your eating and drinking habits. He may also do additional tests to rule out any other neurological disorders before settling on alcoholic neuropathy.

  The immediate treatment to stop the progression of the nerve damage is to stop drinking, which usually requires the help of a treatment facility or self-help group such as alcoholics anonymous. It would also be advisable to enlist the help and support of family members at this difficult time. Since nerve damage is often permanent, the goal of treatment is to control the symptoms though physical therapy, medication for any blood pressure and pain management. The goal of treatment is to recover as much of the lost control as possible, but it will likely not be completely cured and will be a lifelong adjustment.