PKC is involved in receptor desensitization, modulating membrane structure events, regulating transcription, mediating immune responses, regulating cell growth and in learning and memory. These functions are achieved by PKC mediated phosphorylation of other proteins 16. Apart from above function, over-activation of epsilon form of protein kinase C (PKCε) is known to be involved in mediating neuropathic pain, such as pain induced by cancer chemotherapy (vincristine) 56 and diabetes 57. PKC and protein kinase A (PKA) are both known to be important in nociceptor function 57–59. There are several studies suggesting the involvement of protein kinases in alcoholic neuropathy. Dina et al. 16 maintained rats on a diet to simulate chronic alcohol consumption in humans and found mechanical hyperalgesia by the fourth week which was maximal at 10 weeks.
- Alcohol enters the blood as early as 5 min after ingestion and its absorption peaks after 30–90 min.
- Initially, they may be barely noticeable but can progress to more severe and disabling conditions if alcohol consumption continues.
- They get worse with more alcohol consumption, so if you stop drinking and seek professional medical attention, you can manage the symptoms of the disorder and potentially keep the nerve damage from worsening.
- These treatments, in some cases, only suppress the symptoms but do not treat the underlying pathology.
Nutritional factors responsible for alcoholic neuropathy (indirect toxicity)
Alcoholic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, affecting the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting messages between the central nervous system and the body. It can lead to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and gastrointestinal issues. Clinical features of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy develop slowly, extending over a period of months and include abnormalities in sensory, motor, autonomic and gait functions. Painful sensations with or without burning quality represent the initial and major symptom of alcoholic neuropathy 2, 4. Later on, weakness appears in the extremities, involving mainly the distal parts.
Involvement of the sympatho-adrenal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in alcoholic peripheral neuropathy
Symptoms can include numbness in hands and feet, digestive issues, and loss of balance due to is alcoholic neuropathy dangerous loss of nerve function. As axons break down, the nerve fibers become less dense and cannot function properly. You may then be referred to a doctor trained in nervous system disorders, also called a neurologist.
Health Conditions
A healthcare professional can offer support for people with alcohol use disorder. A doctor may also recommend treatments to manage neurological symptoms, such as pain relief medications, physical therapy, and mobility aids. Acetyl-L-carnitine has been tested in clinical 102 and animal studies 103 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Both the toxicity of alcohol and nutritional deficiencies have been linked with alcoholic neuropathy, which is one of the most common but least recognizable consequences of heavy alcohol use. Learn more about this condition, including its symptoms, how it’s treated, and ways to cope. What about some home remedy options or alcoholic neuropathy vitamins — do they exist? Home remedies like gentle exercise, warm baths, and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage alcoholic neuropathy symptoms.