Furthermore, females tend to be more vulnerable to the brain damage and neurotoxic effects of alcohol 134. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed that among alcohol-dependent patients, the brain volumes were reduced to increase the volume of cerebrospinal fluid; these changes were induced in females in less time 135, 136. The mouse model of the injection of β-estradiol in males resulted in higher activity of cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), microsomal aniline hydroxylase (ANH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) which are crucial in ethanol metabolism 138.

Treatment Options for Alcoholic Neuropathy

Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of your symptoms. is alcoholic neuropathy dangerous Exposure  International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis code for NAION or age-related cataract. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology.

Increased Pain and Hypersensitivity

Alcoholic neuropathy, also called alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy, is nerve damage in the body caused by the toxic effects of alcohol. Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of years of heavy alcohol consumption. Symptoms include burning pain in the body, hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and allodynia (a condition in which normal stimulus, like a soft touch, produces pain).

Antidepressants for the alleviation of neuropathic pain symptoms

Many support systems and professional services are available in person or online to help you on your journey. The most important thing you can do to treat alcohol-related neuropathy is to stop consuming alcohol. It’s important to share any history of alcohol use with the doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Alcohol-Related Peripheral Neuropathy

• Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time causes nerve damage that can lead to the onset of alcoholic neuropathy.
• This phenomenon may be responsible for the induction of the neuropathic pain like behaviour following chronic ethanol consumption.
• Abstaining from alcohol can help restore your nutritional health, improve your symptoms, and prevent further nerve damage.
• Chronic abuse of alcohol depletes the pool of liver proteins which are consumed for energy production and insufficient intake of proteins only worsens this imbalance.
• It is important to stop drinking if you suffer from alcoholic polyneuropathy in order to stop the disease from getting worse and to correct the nutritional imbalance that is damaging the nerves and interfering with the nervous system.

The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation. Most patients with alcohol neuropathy initially present with symmetrical polyneuropathies in the lower distal extremities; however, heavier abuse can progress to distal upper extremity symptoms. The most common findings are sensory-related and vary, including pain, numbness, and paresthesias. Pain seems consistent in the literature as 1 of the most common complaints and can be the first clinical indication of the disease.

Treatment of ALN aims to reduce further damage to the peripheral nerves and restore their normal functioning. What is crucial during ALN treatment is the alleviation of the major causation of ALN which is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse treatment might lead to a resolution of neuropathic pain and alleviation of its symptoms. This can be achieved by complete alcohol abstinence and a balanced diet primarily supplemented by B6, B12, and E vitamins, as well as folate, thiamine, and niacin. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome; acamprosate and naltrexone are effective to treat alcohol dependence; however, the latter usually induces withdrawal symptoms 175.

• Electrical nerve stimulation sends a small electrical current through the skin and nerves that can help with sensitivities and pain, making it an option for treatment.
• It is still unclear what is the major determinant in the pathogenesis of ALN.
• A significant decrease in the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and an increase in lipid peroxidation were observed in sciatic nerves of diabetic rats with established neuropathic pain 40.