The Hidden Danger of Drinking Too Much: Nerve Pain, Paralysis, and Numbness

Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in various parts of the body. While there are many possible causes of nerve damage, one of the most common and preventable ones is excessive alcohol consumption.

In this article, you will learn about:

Not only does excessive drinking harm the brain and lead to cognitive decline!
How alcohol affects the peripheral nerves and causes neuropathy
Other common causes of nerve damage and how to prevent them
Can nerve compression injuries recover? How to rehabilitate and treat?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the symptoms of nerve damage?
- How is nerve damage diagnosed?
- What are the best supplements for nerve health?
References

Not only does excessive drinking harm the brain and lead to cognitive decline!
How alcohol affects the peripheral nerves and causes neuropathy
Other common causes of nerve damage and how to prevent them
Can nerve compression injuries recover? How to rehabilitate and treat?
Frequently Asked Questions
References

Not only does excessive drinking harm the brain and lead to cognitive decline!

Many people enjoy drinking alcohol as a way to relax, socialize, or celebrate. However, excessive drinking can have serious consequences for your health, especially your nervous system. Alcohol can damage both the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

One of the most well-known effects of alcohol on the brain is cognitive decline, or the deterioration of mental abilities such as memory, attention, and reasoning. Alcohol can cause brain cells to die, shrink the brain’s volume, and disrupt the communication between neurons. These changes can lead to alcohol-related dementia, or alcoholic encephalopathy, which is characterized by impaired thinking, judgment, coordination, and self-care. This condition is irreversible and can severely affect the quality of life of the patient and their family. According to a study by the World Health Organization, alcohol is responsible for 10% of dementia cases worldwide.

However, alcohol can also damage the nerves outside the brain, causing peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the nerves in the PNS are injured or malfunctioning, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or loss of sensation in the affected areas. Peripheral neuropathy can affect different types of nerves, such as sensory nerves, motor nerves, or autonomic nerves, and can have various causes, such as diabetes, infections, injuries, or toxins. Alcohol is one of the most common toxins that can cause peripheral neuropathy, especially in chronic drinkers.

How does alcohol cause peripheral neuropathy? There are several possible mechanisms, such as:

Direct toxicity: Alcohol is a neurotoxin that can damage the nerve cells and their axons, which are the long extensions that carry electrical impulses. Alcohol can also interfere with the production and function of neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other and with other cells in the body.
Nutritional deficiency: Alcohol can impair the absorption and metabolism of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E, that are needed for nerve health and function. Alcohol can also cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can further reduce the availability of nutrients. Nutritional deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration, demyelination, or inflammation.
Alcoholic neuropathy: Alcoholic neuropathy is a specific type of peripheral neuropathy that affects chronic drinkers who consume more than 60 grams of alcohol per day for more than 10 years. Alcoholic neuropathy usually affects the sensory nerves in the lower limbs, causing symmetrical symptoms such as burning, prickling, or stabbing pain, numbness, or reduced sensation. Alcoholic neuropathy can also affect the motor nerves, causing muscle weakness, cramps, or atrophy. In some cases, alcoholic neuropathy can affect the autonomic nerves, causing problems with blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, sweating, or bladder control.

Peripheral neuropathy can have a significant impact on the daily functioning and well-being of the affected person. It can impair their mobility, balance, coordination, and sensation, increasing the risk of falls, injuries, and infections. It can also cause chronic pain, which can affect their mood, sleep, and quality of life. Peripheral neuropathy can be diagnosed by a neurologist, who can perform a physical examination, a nerve conduction study, an electromyography, or a nerve biopsy. The treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause, severity, and type of nerve damage, and may include medication, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, or surgery.

How alcohol affects the peripheral nerves and causes neuropathy

Peripheral nerves are the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. They are responsible for transmitting sensory information, such as pain, temperature, touch, and vibration, and for controlling the movement and function of the muscles and organs. Peripheral nerves are composed of bundles of nerve fibers, each surrounded by a protective layer called the myelin sheath. The nerve fibers carry electrical impulses that communicate with the target cells and tissues.

Alcohol can damage the peripheral nerves in several ways, as explained by Santos et al. (2018). First, alcohol can directly affect the nerve fibers and the myelin sheath, altering their structure and function. Alcohol can also impair the blood supply to the nerves, reducing the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Alcohol can also disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that regulate the communication between neurons. Alcohol can also activate the immune system and cause inflammation, which can damage the nerve cells and tissues.

The damage caused by alcohol to the peripheral nerves can result in neuropathy, a condition that affects the normal functioning of the nerves. Neuropathy can cause various symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected and how severe the damage is. Some of the common symptoms of neuropathy include:

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body
Loss of sensation or reduced sensitivity to pain, temperature, or touch
Muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, or twitching
Muscle atrophy, or loss of muscle mass and tone
Difficulty moving, walking, or coordinating the movements
Pain, especially at night or when resting
Balance problems or falls
Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
Urinary problems, such as incontinence, retention, or infections
Bowel problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, or fecal incontinence
Digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, or gastroparesis
Cardiovascular problems, such as abnormal heart rate, blood pressure, or rhythm
Sweating problems, such as excessive or reduced sweating, or heat intolerance

Neuropathy can affect the quality of life and well-being of people who suffer from it. It can also increase the risk of complications, such as infections, ulcers, amputations, falls, fractures, or cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat neuropathy as soon as possible, and to prevent or reduce the factors that can cause or worsen it, such as alcohol consumption.

Other common causes of nerve damage and how to prevent them

Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can result from various factors, such as injuries, infections, diseases, toxins, and medications. Some of the most common causes of nerve damage are:

Cause	Explanation	Prevention
Diabetes	High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, especially in the feet and legs. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the nerves that control digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.	Keeping blood sugar levels under control, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications can help prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy.
Autoimmune diseases	Some diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can cause the immune system to attack the nerves. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and damage of the nerve fibers.	There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but treatments can help reduce the symptoms and slow down the progression. These include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Infections	Some infections, such as shingles, Lyme disease, leprosy, HIV, and syphilis, can affect the nerves and cause neuropathy. The infections can either directly damage the nerves or trigger an immune response that damages the nerves.	Preventing infections by practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, avoiding exposure to infected people or animals, and seeking early treatment can help prevent nerve damage.
Trauma or pressure	Physical injuries, such as falls, accidents, fractures, or surgery, can damage the nerves and cause neuropathy. Pressure on the nerves, such as from a tumor, a herniated disc, or a cast, can also compress and damage the nerves.	Avoiding injuries by wearing protective gear, following safety rules, and seeking medical attention for any trauma can help prevent nerve damage. Relieving pressure on the nerves by removing the source of compression, such as a tumor, a disc, or a cast, can also help.
Toxins or medications	Some chemicals, such as heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and alcohol, can damage the nerves and cause neuropathy. Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and statins, can also have nerve-damaging side effects.	Avoiding exposure to toxins by wearing protective equipment, following safety guidelines, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent nerve damage. Monitoring the use of medications by following the doctor’s instructions, reporting any adverse effects, and adjusting the dosage or switching to alternative drugs can also help.

By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of nerve damage, it is possible to prevent further damage and improve the symptoms. However, some cases of nerve damage may be irreversible and require lifelong management.

Can nerve compression injuries recover? How to rehabilitate and treat?

Nerve compression injuries, also known as entrapment neuropathies, occur when a nerve is squeezed or pinched by a surrounding structure, such as a bone, a muscle, a tendon, or a ligament. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. Some of the most common nerve compression injuries are carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and sciatic nerve pain.

The recovery of nerve compression injuries depends on the severity and duration of the compression, as well as the type and location of the nerve. Some mild cases of nerve compression may recover spontaneously or with conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, splints, or braces. However, some severe or chronic cases of nerve compression may require surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and restore its function.

The rehabilitation and treatment of nerve compression injuries aim to reduce the pain, inflammation, and pressure on the nerve, as well as to improve the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of the affected area. Some of the rehabilitation and treatment options are:

Physical therapy: This involves exercises, stretches, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and other modalities to improve the blood flow, nerve conduction, and muscle function of the affected area.
Occupational therapy: This involves modifying the work or daily activities, using ergonomic devices, and learning coping skills to prevent or reduce the stress and strain on the nerve.
Medications: This involves using painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or nerve blockers to relieve the pain and inflammation of the nerve.
Injections: This involves injecting corticosteroids, anesthetics, or botulinum toxin into the affected area to reduce the inflammation and pressure on the nerve.
Surgery: This involves cutting or removing the structure that is compressing the nerve, such as a bone spur, a cyst, a tumor, or a scar tissue. This can help restore the nerve function and relieve the symptoms.

The recovery time and outcome of nerve compression injuries vary depending on the individual factors and the type of treatment. Generally, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis. However, some nerve compression injuries may cause permanent damage and disability, especially if left untreated or treated inadequately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of nerve damage?

The symptoms of nerve damage depend on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Some common signs include:

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area, especially in the hands, feet, or face.
Weakness or paralysis of the muscles controlled by the damaged nerve, leading to difficulty moving, speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
Pain that may be sharp, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting, or may feel like an electric shock.
Loss of sensation or reduced ability to feel temperature, touch, pressure, or vibration.
Changes in reflexes, coordination, or balance, causing clumsiness, falls, or accidents.

Some nerve damage may also cause autonomic dysfunction, which affects the involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweating, and bladder control.

How is nerve damage diagnosed?

Diagnosing nerve damage can be challenging, as the symptoms may vary widely and mimic other conditions. To determine the cause and extent of the nerve injury, a doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and exposure to toxins or infections. The doctor may also order one or more of the following tests:

Nerve conduction studies (NCS): This test measures how fast and how well the nerves transmit electrical signals. Electrodes are attached to the skin and deliver small shocks to stimulate the nerve. A machine records the nerve’s response and shows any abnormalities in speed or strength.
Electromyography (EMG): This test evaluates the electrical activity of the muscles at rest and during contraction. A thin needle electrode is inserted into the muscle and records the signals sent by the nerve. This can help identify if the muscle or the nerve is damaged.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. It can reveal any damage, inflammation, compression, or tumors affecting the nerves or the surrounding tissues.
Blood tests: This test can detect any signs of infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or metabolic problems that may cause or contribute to nerve damage.
Biopsy: This test involves taking a small sample of tissue from the nerve or the skin and examining it under a microscope. It can reveal any abnormalities in the nerve fibers, such as degeneration, scarring, or inflammation.

What are the best supplements for nerve health?

Some supplements may help support the health and function of the nerves, especially those that are involved in the production and transmission of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells. However, supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, and they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a health care provider. Here are some of the supplements that may benefit nerve health:

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for the maintenance of the myelin sheath, the protective coating that surrounds the nerve fibers and helps speed up nerve impulses. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage and lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and memory loss. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy, so vegans and vegetarians may need to take a supplement or consume fortified foods. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day for adults, but some people may need higher doses to correct a deficiency or prevent nerve damage. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved nerve function and reduced pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): This is a natural antioxidant that helps protect the nerve cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common causes of nerve damage. ALA also helps improve blood flow and glucose metabolism in the nerves, which may prevent or slow down the progression of nerve damage. ALA is found in small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat, but higher doses may be needed to achieve therapeutic effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials found that ALA supplementation improved nerve function and reduced pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The optimal dose of ALA for nerve health is not well established, but most studies have used doses ranging from 300 to 1800 milligrams (mg) per day.
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC): This is a compound that helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles of the cells. ALC also helps boost the production and function of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which is important for nerve communication and muscle contraction. ALC is naturally produced in the body and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, and dairy, but some conditions, such as aging, diabetes, and nerve injury, may impair its synthesis or availability. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials found that ALC supplementation improved nerve function and reduced pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The optimal dose of ALC for nerve health is not well established, but most studies have used doses ranging from 500 to 2000 mg per day.

Other supplements that may have some benefits for nerve health include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, curcumin, and coenzyme Q10, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. Before taking any supplements, consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dose, duration, and potential interactions with other medications or supplements.

References

Vitamin B12 supplementation for diabetic neuropathy
Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for diabetic neuropathy
Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation for diabetic neuropathy

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