 alcoholic polyneuropathy (a.k.a alcohol leg) is a neurological disorder in which multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. it is defined by axonal degeneration in neurons of both the sensory and motor systems and initially occurs at the distal ends of the longest axons in the body. this nerve damage causes an individual to experience pain and motor weakness, first in the feet and hands and then progressing centrally. alcoholic polyneuropathy is caused primarily by chronic alcoholism; however, vitamin deficiencies are also known to contribute to its development. this disease typically occurs in chronic alcoholics who have some sort of nutritional deficiency. treatment may involve nutritional supplementation, pain management, abstaining from alcohol. ==signs and symptoms== alcoholic polyneuropathy usually has a gradual onset over months or even years although axonal degeneration often begins before an individual experiences any symptoms. an early warning sign (prodrome) of the possibility of developing alcoholic polyneuropathy, specially in a chronic alcoholic, would be weight loss because this usually signifies a nutritional deficiency that can lead to the development of the disease. the disease typically involves sensory and motor loss, as well as painful physical perceptions (paresthesias), though all sensory modalities may be involved. the symptoms affecting the sensory and motor systems seem to develop in a symmetrical pattern; for example, if the right foot is affected, the left foot will be affected simultaneously or soon thereafter as well. in most cases the legs are affected first, followed by the arms. the hands usually become involved when the symptoms reach above the ankle level. this is called a stocking-and-glove pattern of sensory disturbances. the polyneuropathy that develops spans a large range of severity. some cases are seemingly asymptomatic and may only be recognized upon careful examination. the most severe cases may result in profound physical disability. ===sensory=== common manifestations of sensory issues include numbness or painful sensations in the arms and legs, abnormal sensations like âpins and needles,â and heat intolerance. pain experienced by individuals depends on the severity of the polyneuropathy. it may be dull and const
Alcohol_abuse Neurological_disorders