Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis PMC
This study is reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines [7]. Statistical calculation of pooled proportions was conducted in R language, using the default settings of the “meta” package and the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ “metaprop” function with a random effects model [8]. Some of the most common symptoms are numbness or tingling sensation of the extremities, pain or a burning sensation in the extremities, difficulty walking, difficulty urinating, and difficulty talking or swallowing.
- However, impairments of autonomic functions are scarcer and less intensified, and, usually, clinical symptoms are delayed [156].
- Many different stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, viral infection, ligands for heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors, transforming agents, and carcinogens, activate the ERK pathway.
- Amongst those who did not respond to thiamine, two patients with grade I neuropathy and one with grade II responded with the correction of low circulating nicotinic acid.
- The absence of evaluation of biochemical indicators regarding toxicity in nervous system that could better explain the alcohol-induced neurodegeneration process, what we intend to perform in future studies.
- These abnormal proteins influence other cell populations especially the hepatocytes where the damage to hepatic mitochondria results in hepatic cirrhosis with reduction of energetic substrates in the liver.
- Regarding the autonomic domain, our findings were just significant for piloerection.
- If it affects two or more nerves in different areas, it’s called multiple mononeuropathy, and if it affects many nerves, it’s called polyneuropathy.
Natural history
Conversely, we assured that the animals would be exposed to eight weeks of treatment as it is a time length capable of inducing systemic changes to reproduce alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy (Mellion et al. 2013). The prevalence of impairments in ANS in alcohol-dependent patients varies from 20 to 99% [160]. Symptoms of AAN are due to impairments in both sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic fibers of the cardiovascular, digestive, and urogenital systems. Appenzeller and Ogin (1974) showed that alcohol-dependent and diabetic patients had a reduced number of large fibers (greater than 5 μm) and greater density of autonomic fibers (possibly because of the degeneration followed by a partial regeneration) [161].
Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy
In addition, 32 patients with nonalcoholic thiamine deficiency neuropathy were also evaluated for comparison. The subgroup without thiamine deficiency, considered to be a pure form of alcoholic neuropathy, uniformly showed slowly progressive, sensory dominant symptoms. Superficial sensation, especially nociception, was predominantly impaired and painful symptoms were the primary complaint in most patients in this group.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
Having a healthcare professional come to your house to assist with your needs can relieve a lot of added stress on you to keep track of your treatment plan alone. Nerve damage typically affects the axons, which are the projections that send electrical signals from one nerve to another. It also impacts the myelin, which is the fatty coating that protects the nerves. The Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry (PNRR) is a unique and invaluable resource to researchers and patients alike. With new research, there is always new opportunity for advancements in treatment and prevention strategies. Regarding the other parameters, lacrimation, pupil reflex, palpebral closure, salivation and breathing, there was no significant difference between animals.
- Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time causes nerve damage that can lead to the onset of alcoholic neuropathy.
- 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].
- Statistical calculation of pooled proportions was conducted in R language, using the default settings of the “meta” package and the “metaprop” function with a random effects model [8].
- Later on, weakness appears in the extremities, involving mainly the distal parts.
However, stopping consuming alcohol sooner can help stop the progression of nerve damage. Symptoms of alcohol-related neuropathy are similar to those of peripheral neuropathy. These can affect both your controlled and involuntary movements, as well as sensations. Physical exam findings include diminished sensation to vibration, pain, dysfunctional thermo-proprioception, weakness in the ankle and toes with flexion and extension, atrophy of foot muscles, gait ataxia, and diminished deep tendon reflexes.
Alcoholic neuropathy: possible mechanisms and future treatment possibilities
A program that caters to co-occurring disorders ensures that the alcoholism is being treated and so are any other medical or mental health issues. Medical, mental health, and substance abuse providers all work together to form and carry out a treatment plan that helps to manage all disorders at the same time. Alcoholic polyneuropathy is progressive and gets worse over time, as the damage to the nerves increases with continued alcohol abuse. The problems that alcoholic neuropathy causes with muscle weakness, balance, and coordination can make a person more at risk for falling down and getting injured. Not being able to tell when things are too hot because of the way the nerve damage interferes with the ability to sense temperature changes can make one more susceptible to burns.
Treatment options include steps to quit alcohol use and managing symptoms of the disease. Alcohol-related neuropathy is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the body, spinal cord, and brain. The most important strategy against alcoholic neuropathy lies in preventing the symptoms from getting worse by decreasing alcohol consumption as soon as possible. To combat these deficiencies, supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be recommended.
- Appenzeller and Ogin (1974) showed that alcohol-dependent and diabetic patients had a reduced number of large fibers (greater than 5 μm) and greater density of autonomic fibers (possibly because of the degeneration followed by a partial regeneration) [161].
- In rare cases, vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement has been described.
- The cause is multifactorial, from both nutritional deficiencies and alcohol metabolism’s direct toxic effects on neurons.
- This study is reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines [7].
Treatment Options for Alcoholic Neuropathy
These studies addressed abstinence from alcohol consumption and administration of vitamins. The aim of this systematic review is to characterise the presentation of alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy, to determine the typical ancillary test results, to establish alcohol neuropathy stages the importance of various risk factors and to explore the likely pathogenetic mechanisms. Due to the breadth of the literature surrounding this topic, this review shall focus exclusively upon peripheral neuropathy, without discussing autonomic neuropathy.