Alcoholic polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder in which peripheral nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. It is defined by axonal degeneration in neurons of both the sensory and motor systems and initially occurs at the distal ends of the longest axons in the body. This nerve damage causes an individual to experience pain and motor weakness, first in the feet and hands and then progressing centrally. Alcoholic polyneuropathy is caused primarily by chronic alcoholism; however, vitamin deficiencies are also known to contribute to its development. This disease typically occurs in chronic alcoholics who have some sort of nutritional deficiency. Treatment may involve nutritional supplementation, pain management, and abstaining from alcohol. Signs and symptoms
An early warning sign (prodrome) of the possibility of developing alcoholic polyneuropathy, especially in a chronic alcoholic, would be weight loss because this usually signifies a nutritional deficiency that can lead to the development of the disease.Alcoholic polyneuropathy usually has a gradual onset over months or even years, although axonal degeneration often begins before an individual experiences any symptoms.The disease typically involves sensory issues and motor loss, as well as painful physical perceptions, though all sensory modalities may be involved. Symptoms that affect the sensory and motor systems seem to develop symmetrically. For example, if the right foot is affected, the left foot is affected simultaneously or soon becomes affected. In most cases, the legs are affected first, followed by the arms. The hands usually become involved when the symptoms reach above the ankle. This is called a stocking-and-glove pattern of sensory disturbances.
In severe cases of thiamine deficiency, a few of the positive symptoms (including neuropathic pain) may persist indefinitely. Even after the restoration of a balanced nutritional intake, those patients with severe or chronic polyneuropathy may experience lifelong residual symptoms. Epidemiology
In 2020 the NIH quoted an estimate that in the United States 25% to 66% of chronic alcohol users experience some form of neuropathy. The rate of incidence of alcoholic polyneuropathy involving sensory and motor polyneuropathy has been stated as from 10% to 50% of alcoholics depending on the subject selection and diagnostic criteria. If electrodiagnostic criteria are used, alcoholic polyneuropathy may be found in up to 90% of individuals being assessed.The distribution and severity of the disease depends on regional dietary habits, individual drinking habits, as well as an individuals genetics. Large studies have been conducted and show that alcoholic polyneuropathy severity and incidence correlates best with the total lifetime consumption of alcohol. Factors such as nutritional intake, age, or other medical conditions are correlate in lesser degrees. For unknown reasons, alcoholic polyneuropathy has a high incidence in women.Certain alcoholic beverages can also contain congeners that may also be bioactive; therefore, the consumption of varying alcohol beverages may result in different health consequences. An individuals nutritional intake also plays a role in the development of this disease.