But in most cases, alcoholic neuropathy takes several years or even decades to develop, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed. A person who alcohol neuropathy drinks alcohol excessively may start to feel a tingling sensation in their limbs. Medication can help reduce some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy. The most important strategy against alcoholic neuropathy lies in preventing the symptoms from getting worse by decreasing alcohol consumption as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy
If you struggle to quit drinking or have signs of alcohol-related neuropathy, consult a healthcare provider. Long-term heavy alcohol use, particularly when accompanied by nutritional deficiencies, can damage the body’s nerves, leading to a host of painful and debilitating symptoms. Alcoholic neuropathy can affect both sensory and motor nerves, causing pain, hypersensitivity, numbness, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination and fine motor controls, largely in the extremities. When alcoholic neuropathy causes nerve damage, this damage is often permanent.
B Vitamins
When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist. Additional studies are necessary to understand how acetyl-L-carnitine impacts Substance abuse neuropathy and whether the benefit depends on the type of neuropathy. People on hemodialysis regularly supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine to help fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
What is alcoholic neuropathy muscle weakness?
If necessary, you may be advised to take pain medications, unless you already have a dependency on opioids. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
- But these side effects are generally short term.Avoid contact with the eyes.
- It’s about understanding the role alcohol plays in our lives and finding healthier alternatives to cope with stress, socialize, and relax.
- Other studies have shown a direct, negative effect of alcohol and its many metabolites on the nervous system.
- If you experience alcoholic polyneuropathy symptoms, ask your doctor to do some exams to determine if you have alcoholic neuropathy.
- Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain.
Alcoholic neuropathy can cause pain at rest and even tactile sensitivity. Light contact can feel unpleasant and exaggerated, especially in the fingers and toes. Telling your doctor that you abuse alcohol is crucial because the symptoms are so similar. It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid.
- Severe alcoholic neuropathy may cause motor weakness due to nerve damage.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of years of heavy alcohol consumption.
- Capsaicin causes itching, burning, or redness at the application site.