Long-term use of alcoholic beverages in large volumes has a negative toxic effect on the body and, in particular, the nervous system due to chronic poisoning with ethyl alcohol. Moreover, alcoholic polyneuropathy affects even the dorsal and the brain, causing persistent disturbances in metabolic processes in the nerves, numbness of the extremities.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy - symptoms
This syndrome is characteristic of the late stages of dependence and proceeds, as a rule, subacute. Symptoms:
- weakness in the legs, hands, tingling feeling;
- convulsions, tension in the muscles of the lower leg;
- a decrease in the intensity of tactile sensations;
- edemas of brushes, feet;
- sweating, changes in body temperature, fever;
- peeling of the skin of the extremities, the appearance of wet ulcers;
- disturbances of breathing and heart rhythm;
- deterioration of coordination of movements;
- atrophy and hypotension of muscles;
- pain in the limbs, even with a slight palpation.
The disease has a tendency to rapid progression, especially if the abuse of alcohol continues. Eventually, the disease leads to an amnestic syndrome ( loss of memory ), disorientation in time and space. With further increase in clinical manifestations, alcoholic polyneuropathy has a disappointing prognosis, as the branches of the wandering and diaphragmatic nerve, responsible for the normal functioning of the heart, are damaged.
How to treat alcoholic polyneuropathy?
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of constant intoxication of the body - completely stop using alcohol.
The subsequent scheme of therapy is aimed at restoring the functions of the nervous, immune and digestive system, eliminating painful symptoms.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy involves treatment by the following means:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief (amitriptyline, analgesics, carbamazepine);
- vitamins of group B (milgam, thiamine, benfotiamin, cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine);
- antioxidants (ascorbic, thioctic, nicotinic acid);
- Neuroleptics if psychomotor agitation is observed (haloperidol, aminazine);
- anticholinesterase drugs (galantamine, neuromidine, dibazol, proserin);
- biostimulators (plasmin, aloe).
If necessary, medicines are also prescribed to normalize blood pressure and circulation.
Folk recipes for alcoholic polyneuropathy
Effective means to eliminate cravings for alcohol:
- Mix 500 g of juniper berries with 200 g of bitter wormwood, the same amount of St. John's wort and yarrow .
- Add 100 grams of thyme and angelica root, as well as 150 grams of peppermint.
- A tablespoon of cooked phytospora should be steeped in 150-250 ml of boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
- Regardless of when was the last meal, drink a glass of a drug during the day, at least 3 times a day.
- During six months to conduct such treatment courses for 10 days with a break in a week.
Medicinal infusion for the treatment of alcoholic polyneuropathy:
- Mix the dry shredded herb wormwood (1 serving) and the centaugury (4 servings).
- Incomplete tablespoon of raw material infuse 60 minutes in a glass of hot water.
- Strain the drug, take three times a day for 15 ml for 30-35 minutes before meals.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy - consequences
With a comprehensive approach to therapy, and most importantly - a complete change in lifestyle, refusal of alcohol and diet, the described disease is cured. As shown by medical practice, with a duration of up to 10 years, the survival rate of patients is more than 85%. Longer length of alcoholism has a lower indicator - only 50%.