Health's Book

Alcoholic Neuropathy

Definition

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

Symptoms

• Numbness in the arms and legs
• Abnormal sensations; "pins and needles"
• Painful sensations in the arms and legs
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps or muscle aches
• Heat intolerance, especially after exercise
• Impotence (in men)
• Problems urinating
• Incontinence (leaking urine)
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Difficulty beginning to urinate
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Additional symptoms that may occur with this disease:
• Swallowing difficulty
• Speech impairment
• Loss of muscle function or feeling
• Muscle contractions or spasm
• Muscle atrophy
• Problems with movements

Note: 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 slowly become worse over time.