Alcoholic neuropathy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

It’s important to share any history of alcohol use with the doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis. Research suggests that up to 66% of people with AUD have some type of alcohol-related neuropathy. Something that we think of like an every day, straightforward activity, becomes a struggle https://viriguard.ie/2024/09/03/building-a-supportive-sober-network-in-recovery/ and a problem.

Warning Signs For Alcoholic Neuropathy

A doctor may suggest an inpatient detox when a person’s alcohol use disorder is very severe. They may also recommend other options, such as medications for alcohol reduction or cessation maintenance, support groups, and psychotherapy. A systematic review suggests that 46.3% of people who engage in chronic heavy alcohol use have alcoholic neuropathy. People should note that while “alcoholic neuropathy” is the current medical term, some healthcare professionals are beginning to use the term “alcohol-related neuropathy” to decrease stigma surrounding the condition. We’ll often check reflexes, balance, sensation in the feet, and sometimes recommend blood tests or nerve studies. The earlier we detect the problem, the better chance we have of slowing or even reversing some of the damage.

• In severe alcohol-related neuropathy cases, muscle weakness appears as a result of heavy nerve damage.
• The direct toxic effects of alcohol may also contribute to the condition.
• ~ hypochondriac from SoberRecovery As you can see, recovery is possible (with the help of the right kind of treatment) but only if you seek it out early on in the process.

“Anyone can have a drinking problem. We can help you get your life back in order. This is our residential program.”

On the other end of the spectrum, alcohol neuropathy can cause constant pain in limbs where the nerve is affected. The nerve might get damaged and even the lightest of touches can cause a tremendous amount of pain. Additionally, constant pain will be present, but it can feel differently. What is clear is that heavy alcohol use can speed up Alcohol Use Disorder the onset of alcoholic neuropathy.

Diagnosing Alcoholic Neuropathy

Sometimes this takes the form of over-the-counter pain medication. But doctors can also prescribe creams, anticonvulsants, gabapentin, and tramadol for pain. One of the most common issues for people with alcoholic neuropathy is issues with muscle control and balance. Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophoshate) is a synthetic S-acyl derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1). In an animal study, it has been found that chronic alcohol consumption in rats resulted in alcohol neuropathy stages a significant depletion in thiamine diphosphate (TDP), the active coenzyme form of thiamine. Supplementation with benfotiamine significantly increased concentrations of TDP and total thiamine compared with supplementation with thiamine HCl 96.