Alcoholic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

The serotonin/norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs), duloxetine and venlafaxine, have a well-documented efficacy in painful polyneuropathy [117, 118]. SSRIs have been studied in a few trials which have demonstrated a weak analgesic effect but the clinical relevance of these compounds is questionable [119]. Therefore, topical application with capsaicin may provide symptomatic relief from neuropathic pain in patients suffering from alcoholic neuropathy. Thus, there is an urgent need to screen the vitamin E isoforms, especially tocotrienol for evaluating clinical efficacy in patients with alcoholic neuropathy. Thus, alpha-lipoic acid may have a potential in the treatment of patients with alcoholic neuropathy.

Obtaining a degree in Registered Nursing from Saddleback College, Mr. Collier has held a Registered Nursing License since the early1980’s. From 1984 to 1986, Mr. Collier worked as a Clinical Instructor for the Care Units at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and alcohol neuropathy stages then served as the Nurse Manager of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center also at Cedars Sinai from 1986 to 1988. From 1988 to 1991, Mr. Collier was the Nursing Supervisor at the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center ( ADTC), Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

International Patients

Constant pain in the hands or feet is one of the most bothersome aspects of alcoholic neuropathy. As the condition progresses, the pain may vary in intensity, sometimes diminishing for months at a time before worsening again. Another prominent effect of alcoholic neuropathy involves painful and uncomfortable sensations. Alcoholic neuropathy can result in hypersensitivity to touch and even resting pain. Light touch can feel exaggerated and painful, particularly in the fingers and toes. Ethos Health Group has treatment programs that consist of cutting-edge, non-invasive therapies designed to stimulate new blood vessels’ growth to help reverse nerve damage in the feet or hands.

She is a Licensed Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, and has a Master’s Degree in Counseling/ Psychology. Lisa is dedicated to helping individuals and families heal from the pain of addiction. She has extensive experience in working with patients at all levels of care and has additional training in family dynamics, codependency, relapse prevention, and stress management.

Total number of myelinated axons from sciatic nerve (Naxons)

Teresa became a part of the intake team in March of 2022 where she continues to share her compassionate, caring attitude with those seeking to change their lives through entering into treatment. It is important to share any history of alcohol use with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment make it more likely that you will be able to recover. Especially if you have been drinking heavily for many years, coping with alcohol use disorder is not easy.

Thiamine treatment has not been successful in reversing ALN, and the features noted have resulted in re-examination of the 80-year-old theory that ALN is a nutritional rather than a toxic neuropathy. The development of an appropriate therapy will include cessation of alcohol ingestion but will also need to be aimed at the toxic target(s) of alcohol, which is the goal of ongoing research. Other coexisting, alcohol-related diseases may induce exacerbation of AAN symptoms. It was shown that patients with liver cirrhosis (regardless of its etiology) present dysfunctions in ANS, primarily within the vagus nerve [170]. Proposed mechanisms include circulatory disturbances in liver cirrhosis, metabolic and neurohormonal (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) dysfunctions, excessive nitric oxide production, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators [11, 171].

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Focusing on Behavioral Medicine, he became the Director of Assessment and Admissions at Canyon Ridge Hospital in 1999. Throughout his career, Mr. Collier has committed himself to providing hospital based acute care treatment for those suffering from addictions and related illness. Individuals with alcoholic neuropathy often make a partial or full recovery, depending on the extent and duration of their alcohol consumption. Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to chronic pain, loss of some bodily functions, and permanent disability. However, recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention early can minimize the impact of the condition.