Alcoholic polyneuropathy is observed in patients with a diagnosis of chronic alcoholism. In this case, there is a defeat of the functions of the internal organs, primarily this concerns the liver. In this regard, a deficiency of thiamine and other B-vitamins in the body is formed. The main reason why alcoholic polyneuropathy develops is vitamin deficiency. It is caused by metabolic changes causing axonal degeneration and myelin destruction. Autoimmune and other mechanisms associated with the reactivity of the body explain some clinical features. These include the frequent development of the disease after infection or cooling.
It should be noted that alcoholic polyneuropathy is about three percent of all cases of the clinical manifestation of alcoholism. A patient distracted by intoxication in the prodromal (preceding illness) period may experience pain in the lower parts of the limbs, in particular, in the calf. The visible development of the disease occurs sharply, and after a few days the muscles become weak, painful, and in some cases lose their ability to move.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy is manifested primarily by damage to the peroneal nerve. As a result, the extensors of the feet become weakened. Often there is a violation of the functions of the extensors of the fingers and hand. In some cases, severe atrophy of muscle groups is observed. At the beginning of the disease, tendon reflexes are increased, but with the course of the disease they decrease or disappear. The disease progresses weeks and months. In severe cases, cranial, phrenic, and vagus nerves may be involved .
In the initial period of the course, the disease is accompanied by a sensitivity disorder, pain and numbness are manifested. Subsequently, noticeable episodes of loss of superficial and deep sensitivity are observed. The defeat of peripheral sympathetic fibers explains pronounced autonomic disorders (changes in temperature and skin color, sweating and trophism, swelling in the distal regions).
In some cases, the disease is accompanied by Korsakov’s syndrome. Refusal to take alcohol leads to a suspension of the disease, its regression begins. At the same time, contractures and paresis remain.
It should be noted that alcohol acts on the systems and organs of a person in a complex and their combined damage causes cell degeneration faster. Speaking conditionally, polyneuropathy is an attempt to disconnect the supply of remote and not quite important (according to the body) systems and nerve cells, supplying the brain, heart, and central nervous system departments to a greater extent.
About a third of patients complain of numbness. The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by goosebumps, tingling. Numbness worries only in a dream or prolonged being in the wrong position. With the course of the disease, constant numbness, swelling develops, motor skills are impaired.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy. Treatment.
It should be noted that an accurate diagnosis of the disease is made by assessing the neurological status, the safety of reflexes. The volume of active movements of the neck and limbs, reaction and so on is also determined.
For patients diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy, treatment begins with refusal to take alcohol. The complex of therapy also includes the normalization of lifestyle, stabilization of nutrition. Vitamin and antioxidant therapy, vascular medications, as well as drugs, the action of which is aimed at improving reparative processes (self-healing) in the nervous tissue , are prescribed . Symptomatic therapy is required, including analgesia, normalization of pressure, and removal of puffiness.
Recovery of patients depends on their ability to give up alcohol.