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Alcoholic neuropathy - Overview

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathy

Definition of Alcoholic neuropathy:

Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of alcoholic neuropathy is debated. It probably includes both a direct poisoning of the nerve by the alcohol, and the effect of poor nutrition associated with alcoholism.

In severe cases, the nerves that regulate internal body functions (autonomic nerves) may be involved.

Risks for alcoholic neuropathy include:

Long-term, heavy alcohol use
Alcoholism that is present for 10 years or more

Alcoholic neuropathy

Motor nerves

Autonomic Nerves

Central nervous system

Reviewed last on: 6/24/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.

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