Neuropathy is a medical term that refers to nerve damage. The term polyneuropathy is used when more than one nerve is involved. When nerve damage is due to excessive alcohol use, the condition is referred to as alcoholic neuropathy, or alcoholic polyneuropathy. Those with alcoholic neuropathy often suffer permanent damage to the affected nerves, with severely debilitating repercussions.
Disability
Nerve damage can manifest in sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction. Motor nerve damage caused by alcoholic neuropathy can result in muscle weakness and atrophy that can impair the individual's ability to walk or otherwise move properly. These impairments may require the individual to use orthopedic appliances, such as splints, or to undergo intensive physical therapy in order to function independently.
Chronic Pain
Neuropathy due to alcohol abuse can cause damage to the sensory nerves, which results in symptoms of pain, numbness or paresthesia, commonly referred to as a "pins and needles" sensation. The pain can manifest as muscle cramps, or as stabbing pain, and is often located in the arms and legs.
The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University states that the use of medication, and the practice of modifying the patient's sleeping position, may both help in alleviating some of the pain of alcoholic neuropathy.
Autonomic Dysfunction
The autonomic nervous system regulates the internal organs. When alcoholic neuropathy causes autonomic nerve damage, complications may include the inability to properly excrete sweat, leading to heat intolerance.
Nerves to the urinary system may be affected, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Health notes that bladder dysfunction can lead to infection or incontinence. The inability of the body to regulate blood pressure in cases of alcoholic neuropathy can lead to dizziness and fainting in response to sudden movements.
Damage to nerves in the digestive system due to alcoholic neuropathy can cause diarrhea and constipation. In the male reproductive system, damage from alcoholic neuropathy can cause impotence, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Injury to Extremities
Neuropathy due to alcoholism can damage the sensory nerves that detect pain and temperature. This decrease in sensory function, predominantly in the hands and feet, can increase the individual's risk of unknowingly sustaining an injury, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Health. Without the normal experience of pain to warn of injury or infection, this condition can cause the individual to neglect seeking necessary treatment.
