What is Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)?
Drinking alcohol regularly for a long period of time can damage the brain and nerves. A common harmful effect seen in people who constantly consume alcohol is alcohol neuropathy. This condition often results in pain, numbness, or tingling, and lack of coordination in the lower part of the body. At present, we don’t know the exact number of people affected by this condition. However, studies suggest that up to 66% of individuals with chronic alcohol use disorder may suffer from some form of the disease.
Several factors are responsible for this disease, including lack of proper nutrition and the detrimental impact of alcohol breaking down in the body directly on nerve cells. Doctors can identify this condition from other similar nerve diseases by a patient’s medical history and physical examination. There’s no particular lab test to diagnose this condition. The best treatment involves stopping alcohol consumption and replacing essential nutrients in the body.
What Causes Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)?
We know that drinking alcohol over a long period can lead to negative health issues, but we’re not exactly sure why these issues occur. Many factors contribute to the development of a condition called alcoholic neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage caused by excessive drinking. How long a person has misused alcohol and how much they’ve consumed in their lifetime are two major factors.
According to a study, people who drink more than 100 grams per day over several years are likely to develop peripheral neuropathy, a specific type of alcoholic neuropathy that affects nerves away from the brain and spinal cord.
Risk Factors and Frequency for Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)
Alcohol is widely used across the globe. Among individuals struggling with chronic alcoholism, nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, is the most common harmful effect. In the United States, it’s estimated that between 25% and 66% of chronic alcohol users suffer from some form of nerve damage. However, the exact number in the general population is still unknown.
- Most of these individuals are from the middle class and have jobs.
- Those who drink continuously are more affected than those who drink occasionally.
- One risk factor for this condition is a family history of it.
- Women are more prone to alcohol-related nerve damage and might experience quicker onset and greater severity.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)
When evaluating patients who might be struggling with alcohol use disorder, it’s crucial to take a detailed health history and conduct a physical examination. This includes screening for alcohol misuse and total alcohol intake, as some patients might not openly discuss their drinking habits. They might only express concerns about nerve-related issues, like numbness or tingling. Doctors should also ask about the patient’s regular diet and nutrition. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests using the CAGE questionnaire to identify potential alcohol-related issues.
- Have you ever felt you should Cut Down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to ease your nerves or get over a hangover (Eye opener)?
Two vital questions to asking when investigating for alcohol-related nerve damage are: ‘How much alcohol do you drink?’ and ‘How long have you been drinking?” These queries can aid in differentiating alcohol neuropathy from other types of nerve damage. It’s also important to check for other diseases that could cause nerve damage, such as diabetes.
Patients with alcohol-related nerve damage often initially have problems in the lower parts of their bodies that are alike on both sides and located far from the body’s center. However, those with severe alcohol misuse might also have symptoms in their hands. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, and a feeling of pins and needles. Pain is frequently reported and can be the first noticeable sign of the disease. It’s important to consider this condition if a patient’s health history suggests it could be a possibility. Over time, the disease can lead to equal motor and sensory problems spreading up the body.
Detailed neurological tests are crucial. Physical examination findings may show reduced sensitivity to vibration and pain, abnormal temperature and body-position senses, weakness in the ankle and toes when bending and extending, shrinking foot muscles, unsteady walking, and decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Testing for Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)
There are no specific tests that directly confirm this condition. Understanding your health history and a physical examination are the essential factors in diagnosing it. However, certain tests might assist in confirming or refuting the condition, including:
- Chemistry Panel – This test checks the levels of electrolytes in your body. Sometimes, imbalances in these substances can contribute to nerve diseases, known as neuropathies.
- Diabetes Testing – Nerve issues similar to this condition can sometimes be caused by diabetes, so this test may be carried out.
- Thiamine, Folate, and Vitamin-B12 Testing – These substances play a key role in the development of nerve cells in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
- Heavy Metal Toxicities – High levels of heavy metals in your body can frequently lead to nerve diseases.
- HIV and Syphilis Tests – Advanced stages of both of these diseases can cause nerve diseases.
- Nerve Conduction Tests – These tests assess the speed at which nerves conduct electrical signals. This speed can be normal or a bit slow in early stages of the condition but tend to slow down further in certain disorders where the protective coverings of nerves are damaged.
In addition to those listed, another useful test is Needle Electromyography (EMG). This test is often employed in cases of alcohol-related nerve disease and can reveal specific signs such as sharp pulse waves, rapid muscle twitching and complex repetitive discharges.
Treatment Options for Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage)
The main focus of treatment should be on stopping alcohol abuse. Generally, the outlook is good. If a person avoids alcohol for a few months up to a few years, improvements can be seen in both physical exams and nerve tests; many people completely regain their function. It’s also beneficial to replace nutrients such as thiamine, vitamin-B12, and folic acid that may be lacking.
Referrals to psychiatrists, enrollment in alcohol abstinence programs, and involvement in support groups have all been shown to help people recover from their alcohol misuse. Physical and occupational therapies can also be helpful as the person regains their ability to move and do everyday tasks.
What else can Alcoholic Neuropathy (Alcohol-related Nerve Damage) be?
When experiencing nerve-related issues or chronic alcohol abuse, it could be due to a myriad of conditions and not just one specific disease. Some of these could include:
- Beriberi, a condition caused by a severe lack of vitamin B1.
- Diabetic Neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a brain disorder due to the lack of vitamin B1.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS, a progressive disease affecting nerve cells.
- Folate Deficiency, when there’s not enough folic acid in the body.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency, a lack of vitamin B12 that can lead to nerve damage.
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks nerves.
- Lead Poisoning, due to too much lead in the body.
- Mercury Poisoning, caused by being exposed to too much mercury.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
- Syphilis, a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact.
- Hyponatremia, when there’s not enough sodium in your blood.
- Hypocalcemia, meaning low calcium levels in your blood.
Each condition needs to be considered and appropriately tested for to identify the root cause of the symptoms.