Alcoholism is a disease characterized by a craving for alcohol, a loss of control over drinking, physical dependence on alcohol and an increasing tolerance with a need to drink more and more to feel the "high" that alcohol causes. One of the side effects of alcoholism is ataxia, which is characterized by poor muscle control in the arms and legs, leading to a lack of balance and an uncoordinated gait.
Effects of Alcohol On The Nervous System
Alcohol is a depressant that generally slows the activity of the nervous system and blocks some nerve signals from reaching the brain. Long-term use of alcohol can lead to degeneration in the function of the nervous system. Early symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the hands or feet and some muscle weakness or loss of muscle size. These changes usually progress slowly, over months or even years.
Ataxia
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ataxia is the result of damage to parts of the spinal cord or brain that control movement. Damage to nerve cells in the cerebellum that control muscular coordination is often the cause of ataxia. In some patients, ataxia is inherited, while in others, it is acquired. One of the recognized causes of acquired ataxia is long-term abuse of alcohol.
Prognosis For Ataxia
Whether or not an alcoholic will recover from ataxia when he stops drinking depends on several factors. First, the duration of alcoholism is important. A person who has been drinking for many years will usually experience less recovery from ataxia than someone who has only been drinking for a short time. The likelihood of recovery from ataxia is also higher if the person is well nourished and generally healthy. Age is also a factor, with younger people generally recovering faster and more fully than older people.
Risk Factors for Alcoholism
According to statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 17 million Americans--or about 1 in 12 adults--suffer from some form of alcohol dependence. Younger people between the ages of 18 and 29 are the most likely to develop a drinking problem, while those over 65 have the lowest risk. Genetics may also have a role in determining whether a person becomes an alcoholic. Alcoholism is believed to run in some families, although so far no specific genes for alcoholism have been identified. Other risk factors include the amount of stress in a person's life and whether a person is constantly in the company of people who drink heavily.
Treatments For Alcoholism
Three oral medications and one injectable drug have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of alcoholism. They work in several ways, either by causing the patient to feel ill when she drinks alcohol, by reducing the anxiety and insomnia that accompany withdrawal from alcohol or by affecting brain chemistry and reducing the craving for alcohol. Many support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are also available to help alcoholics conquer their addiction.
