What is Alcoholic Neuropathy? Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage. In the case of alcoholic neuropathy, the damage is caused by alcohol and it affects the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nervous system is made up of a system of 43 pairs of nerves which serve your head, neck and body sending messages back and forth to your brain to provide feeling throughout the body and control a wide variety of actions and processes. Alcohol abuse reduces the levels of vitamins and minerals in your body which are needed for healthy nerve function. What are the symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy? The symptoms you experience may vary depending on whether the damage is caused to motor nerves (those which control movement), sensory nerves (sensations) or autonomic nerves (unconscious bodily functions), but can include:
- Numbness
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Burning and pricking sensations
- Muscle cramps and pains
- Twitching
- Partial or complete loss of muscle control
- Urinary incontinence
- Male impotence
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Pain relief
- Physiotherapy
- Orthopaedic appliances to aid mobilisation
- Safety equipment to prevent injuries
- Vitamin supplements
- Medication for people with problems urinating