BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAlcoholic neuropathyNeuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathyAlcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. Causes The exact cause of alcoholic neuropathy is unknown. It likely includes both a direct poisoning of the nerve by the alcohol and the effect of poor nutrition associated with alcoholism. Up to half of long-term heavy alcohol users develop this condition.In severe cases, nerves that regulate internal body functions (autonomic nerves) may be involved. Symptoms Symptoms of this condition include any of the following: Numbness in the arms and legs NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal sensations, such as "pins and needles" Abnormal sensationsNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Painful sensations in the arms and legs Muscle problems, including weakness, cramps, aches, or spasms WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article CrampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AchesMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heat intolerance, especially after exercise Heat intoleranceHeat intolerance is a feeling of being overheated when the temperature around you rises. It can often cause heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Erection problems (impotence) ImpotenceAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems urinating, incontinence (leaking urine), feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty beginning to urinate Problems urinatingDifficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream is called urinary hesitancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article IncontinenceUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty beginning to urinateDifficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream is called urinary hesitancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Constipation or diarrhea Nausea, vomiting Problems swallowing or talking Unsteady gait (walking)Changes in muscle strength or sensation usually occur on both sides of the body and are more common in the legs than in the arms. Symptoms usually develop gradually and become worse over time. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms. An eye exam may show eye problems.Excessive alcohol use often makes the body unable to use or store certain vitamins and minerals. Blood tests will be ordered to check for a deficiency (lack) of:Thiamine (vitamin B1) ThiamineThiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) PyridoxineVitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so the body cannot store them. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Folic acidFolic acidFolic acid and folate are both terms for a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9). Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in foods such as green leafy v...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests may be ordered to check for other possible causes of neuropathy or damage to body systems due to neuropathy. Tests may include:Electrolyte levels, including glucose to check for diabetes Electrolyte levelsElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemoglobin A1c test to check for diabetes Liver and kidney function tests Thyroid function tests Thyroid function testsThyroid function tests are used to check whether your thyroid is working normally. The most common thyroid function tests are:Free T4 (free thyroxine...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Levels of vitamins and minerals in the body Nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical signals move through a nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to remove a small piece of a nerve for examination Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Upper GI and small bowel series Upper GI and small bowel seriesAn upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium enema is a related test th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine EsophagogastroduodenoscopyEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Voiding cystourethrogram, an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra Voiding cystourethrogramA voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra. It is done while the bladder is emptying.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Stopping the use of alcohol is the most important first step. People will often need counseling from alcohol use disorder specialists. If there are other medical problems that can also cause nerve damage, such as diabetes, they should be treated as well. Once the alcohol problem has been addressed, treatment goals include:Controlling symptoms Maximizing ability to function independently Preventing injury It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid.Physical therapy and orthopedic appliances (such as splints) may be needed to maintain muscle function and limb position.Medicines may be needed to treat pain or uncomfortable sensations due to nerve damage. They will be prescribed the smallest dose of medicine needed to reduce symptoms. This may help prevent drug dependence and other side effects of chronic use.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Positioning or the use of a bed frame that keeps the covers off the legs may help reduce pain.People with lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension) may need to try several different treatments before finding one that successfully reduces their symptoms. Treatments that may help include:Wearing compression stockings Compression stockingsYou wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eating extra salt Sleeping with the head elevated Using medicines Bladder problems may be treated with:Manual expression of urine Intermittent catheterization (male or female) MaleA urinary catheter tube drains urine from your bladder. You may need a catheter because you have urinary incontinence (leakage), urinary retention (...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FemaleYou will use a catheter (tube) to drain urine from your bladder. You may need a catheter because you have urinary incontinence (leakage), urinary re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated when necessary. These symptoms often respond poorly to treatment in people with alcoholic neuropathy.It is important to protect body parts with reduced sensation from injury. This may include:Checking the temperature of bath water to prevent burns Changing footwear Frequently inspecting the feet and shoes to reduce injury caused by pressure or objects in the shoes Guarding the extremities to prevent injury from pressure Alcohol must be stopped to prevent the damage from getting worse. Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling, social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or medicines. Outlook (Prognosis) Damage to nerves from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent. It is likely to get worse if the person continues to use alcohol or if nutritional problems are not corrected. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually not life threatening, but it can severely affect quality of life. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy. Prevention The only way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy is not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley's and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Koppel BS. Nutritional and alcohol-related neurologic disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 388.AllVideoImagesTogAlcoholic neuropathy - illustration Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.Alcoholic neuropathyillustrationMotor nerves - illustration Motor nerves are the nerves responsible for all voluntary skeletal and somatic movement such as moving the leg or arm.Motor nervesillustrationAutonomic Nerves - illustration Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines).Autonomic NervesillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationAlcoholic neuropathy - illustration Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.Alcoholic neuropathyillustrationMotor nerves - illustration Motor nerves are the nerves responsible for all voluntary skeletal and somatic movement such as moving the leg or arm.Motor nervesillustrationAutonomic Nerves - illustration Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines).Autonomic NervesillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationA Closer Look Betaine(Alt. Medicine)Vitamins and Phytonutrients - InDepth(In-Depth) Tests for Alcoholic neuropathy Nerve conduction velocityElectromyographyRelated Information Beriberi(Condition)Alcohol use disorder(Condition)Alcohol use disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/29/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Alcoholic neuropathyNeuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathyAlcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. Causes The exact cause of alcoholic neuropathy is unknown. It likely includes both a direct poisoning of the nerve by the alcohol and the effect of poor nutrition associated with alcoholism. Up to half of long-term heavy alcohol users develop this condition.In severe cases, nerves that regulate internal body functions (autonomic nerves) may be involved. Symptoms Symptoms of this condition include any of the following: Numbness in the arms and legs NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal sensations, such as "pins and needles" Abnormal sensationsNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Painful sensations in the arms and legs Muscle problems, including weakness, cramps, aches, or spasms WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article CrampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AchesMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heat intolerance, especially after exercise Heat intoleranceHeat intolerance is a feeling of being overheated when the temperature around you rises. It can often cause heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Erection problems (impotence) ImpotenceAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems urinating, incontinence (leaking urine), feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty beginning to urinate Problems urinatingDifficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream is called urinary hesitancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article IncontinenceUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty beginning to urinateDifficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream is called urinary hesitancy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Constipation or diarrhea Nausea, vomiting Problems swallowing or talking Unsteady gait (walking)Changes in muscle strength or sensation usually occur on both sides of the body and are more common in the legs than in the arms. Symptoms usually develop gradually and become worse over time. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms. An eye exam may show eye problems.Excessive alcohol use often makes the body unable to use or store certain vitamins and minerals. Blood tests will be ordered to check for a deficiency (lack) of:Thiamine (vitamin B1) ThiamineThiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) PyridoxineVitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so the body cannot store them. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the bo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Folic acidFolic acidFolic acid and folate are both terms for a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9). Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in foods such as green leafy v...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests may be ordered to check for other possible causes of neuropathy or damage to body systems due to neuropathy. Tests may include:Electrolyte levels, including glucose to check for diabetes Electrolyte levelsElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemoglobin A1c test to check for diabetes Liver and kidney function tests Thyroid function tests Thyroid function testsThyroid function tests are used to check whether your thyroid is working normally. The most common thyroid function tests are:Free T4 (free thyroxine...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Levels of vitamins and minerals in the body Nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical signals move through a nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to remove a small piece of a nerve for examination Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Upper GI and small bowel series Upper GI and small bowel seriesAn upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium enema is a related test th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine EsophagogastroduodenoscopyEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Voiding cystourethrogram, an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra Voiding cystourethrogramA voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra. It is done while the bladder is emptying.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Stopping the use of alcohol is the most important first step. People will often need counseling from alcohol use disorder specialists. If there are other medical problems that can also cause nerve damage, such as diabetes, they should be treated as well. Once the alcohol problem has been addressed, treatment goals include:Controlling symptoms Maximizing ability to function independently Preventing injury It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid.Physical therapy and orthopedic appliances (such as splints) may be needed to maintain muscle function and limb position.Medicines may be needed to treat pain or uncomfortable sensations due to nerve damage. They will be prescribed the smallest dose of medicine needed to reduce symptoms. This may help prevent drug dependence and other side effects of chronic use.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Positioning or the use of a bed frame that keeps the covers off the legs may help reduce pain.People with lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension) may need to try several different treatments before finding one that successfully reduces their symptoms. Treatments that may help include:Wearing compression stockings Compression stockingsYou wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eating extra salt Sleeping with the head elevated Using medicines Bladder problems may be treated with:Manual expression of urine Intermittent catheterization (male or female) MaleA urinary catheter tube drains urine from your bladder. You may need a catheter because you have urinary incontinence (leakage), urinary retention (...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FemaleYou will use a catheter (tube) to drain urine from your bladder. You may need a catheter because you have urinary incontinence (leakage), urinary re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated when necessary. These symptoms often respond poorly to treatment in people with alcoholic neuropathy.It is important to protect body parts with reduced sensation from injury. This may include:Checking the temperature of bath water to prevent burns Changing footwear Frequently inspecting the feet and shoes to reduce injury caused by pressure or objects in the shoes Guarding the extremities to prevent injury from pressure Alcohol must be stopped to prevent the damage from getting worse. Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling, social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or medicines. Outlook (Prognosis) Damage to nerves from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent. It is likely to get worse if the person continues to use alcohol or if nutritional problems are not corrected. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually not life threatening, but it can severely affect quality of life. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy. Prevention The only way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy is not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley's and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Koppel BS. Nutritional and alcohol-related neurologic disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 388.