Title: Alcoholic neuropathy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Headings: Alcoholic neuropathy
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Alcoholic neuropathy
Causes
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Content: 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
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The 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)
Pantothenic acid and biotin
Vitamin B12
Folic acid
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Vitamin A
Other tests may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of neuropathy. Tests may include: Electrolyte levels
Electromyography ( EMG) to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles
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
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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.