In some cases, nerve damage may be permanent, while in others, symptoms may improve with time, given that you abstain from alcohol and receive proper treatment. Heavy alcohol use can disrupt the absorption and metabolism of essential vitamins and nutrients, like thiamine (vitamin B1), which are crucial for maintaining nerve health. People with alcohol use disorder are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Moreover, the central nervous system can also be affected by the toxic effects of alcohol. Many different stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, viral infection, ligands for heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors, transforming agents, and carcinogens, activate the ERK pathway. There are many studies suggesting the role of MEK/ERK signaling in inflammatory pain in male [60–63] and female rats [64].
Some people have trouble with daily tasks and simple movements like standing or walking. This happens because it makes large amounts of free radicals that cause tissue damage and lower the natural compounds that normally protect you from this damage. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. Doctors will help you mitigate the damage, while a physician may prescribe various supplements that will replenish your system.
Alcohol also alters the function of the stomach, liver, and kidneys in ways that prevent the body from properly detoxifying waste material. This waste then builds up and harms many regions of the body, including the nerves. However, they usually worsen over time as the neuropathy progresses.
New scientific findings reveal neuroinflammation as key factor in alcohol-induced pain.
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In some cases, orthopedic appliances may also be recommended to improve mobility and function. Researchers have not determined if this is caused by the effects of alcohol on the brain or is the result of thiamine deficiency. Thus, treatment with anticonvulsant drugs may provide another therapeutic alternative for the symptomatic relief of pain in patients with alcoholic neuropathy. 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.
The neurotoxic effects of alcohol cause damage to the axon through demyelination of sensory and motor fibers, primarily from the presence of acetaldehyde. Alcohol is predominantly metabolized by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the stomach, intestines, and liver. ADH is further metabolized to the carcinogen acetaldehyde, which is highly toxic to bodily tissues, including the brain, neurons, heart, liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An accumulation of acetaldehyde in the serum causes direct damage to the axon in alcohol-induced PN.
Additionally, chronic heavy alcohol consumption is toxic to the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, which activates neuronal protein kinase C and causes neuropathic pain. Deficiency of vitamins other than thiamine may also alcohol neuropathy stages contribute to clinical features of alcoholic neuropathy. Chronic alcoholism can alter the intake, absorption and utilization of various nutrients (nicotinic acid, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate or vitamin E).
Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications. Especially if you have been drinking heavily for many years, coping with alcohol use disorder is not easy. But with the proper resources to help, you are better set up for success with sobriety. 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.
Occupational therapy can help the patient with self-care activities and safely navigating the home environment. Orthotics using splints and braces should be explored to help with ambulation. Encourage patients to be active as tolerated to promote tissue oxygenation, mobility, and well-being.
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