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

Neuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathy

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. Up to half of all long-term heavy alcohol users develop this condition.

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

Images

Central nervous system

Motor nerves

Autonomic Nerves

Alcoholic neuropathy

Review Date: 04/30/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)