Alcoholic Neuropathy Follow-up

  • Author: Scott R Laker, MD; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Dec 5, 2011
 

Further Outpatient Care

  • Encourage periodic follow-up visits to monitor for neuropathic progression, as well as to assess functional deficits and the effectiveness of prior interventions (eg, alcohol cessation, gait/balance training).
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Deterrence

  • Cessation of alcohol consumption is necessary to improve or reverse the symptoms associated with alcoholic neuropathy. Attendance of support groups (eg, AA) or the use of pharmacologic intervention (disulfiram [Antabuse]) may be of benefit to the patient with alcoholic neuropathy. Unfortunately, disulfiram also can cause neuropathy.
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Complications

  • Complications of alcoholic neuropathy include morbidity associated with falls and gait ataxia, as well as the potential for thermal injuries, burns, and pressure ulcers. Multiple organ systems, including the heart and eyes, can be adversely affected by nerve damage associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Alcoholic cerebellar damage coupled with neuropathic impairment of proprioception in the legs can be devastating to a patient's gait pattern and can make independent ambulation impossible.
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Prognosis

  • According to Dell and Guzewicz, the prognosis for the arresting or reversal of symptoms associated with alcoholic neuropathy is fair to good following cessation of drinking.[18]
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Patient Education

  • Educate patients on how to protect themselves from the deleterious effects of alcoholic neuropathy on touch, gait, balance, and general strength.
  • These patients should also be counseled on the need for rigorous skin checks of the lower extremities as a means of preventing ongoing morbidity.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Scott R Laker, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Scott R Laker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

William J Sullivan, MD  Associate Professor, Pain Medicine Fellowship Site Director, Director of Medical Student Education, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center

William J Sullivan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, International Spine Intervention Society, and North American Spine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Paraplegia Society, Association of Academic Physiatrists, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Michael T Andary, MD, MS  Professor, Residency Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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