Definition

Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathy

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
• Abnormal sensations, such as "pins and needles"
• Painful sensations in the arms and legs
• Muscle problems, including weakness, cramps, aches, or spasms
• Heat intolerance, especially after exercise
• Erection problems (impotence)
• Problems urinating, incontinence (leaking urine), feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty beginning to urinate
• 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)
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid

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
• Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles
• Hemoglobin A1c test to check for diabetes
  
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Thyroid function tests
• Levels of vitamins and minerals in the body
• Nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical signals move through a nerve
• Nerve biopsy to remove a small piece of a nerve for examination
• Upper GI and small bowel series
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine
• Voiding cystourethrogram, an x-ray study of the bladder and urethra

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.

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
• 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)
• 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.

References

Katirji 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.