Hello doctor,I am 29 years old. What would be the specific symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy? I am having some nerve issues, they conducted two separate neurological exams (no conductivity testing just the general exam) but the neurologist did not find anything abnormal. I am a mild to moderate drinker and have been drinking for about six years. I do not binge drink or drink more than a glass or two of alcohol every other day or so. I eat very healthfully and work out. I have had all sorts of bloodwork and nothing has come up (Ac1, B12, thyroid, etc.). My MRI is scheduled in five weeks to rule anything else out.Doctor says my symptoms are anxiety but want to make sure. Symptoms include some weakness in my hands when I wake up, tremors at night, feelings that have changed over time in my feet. No official pins or needles, just some general "strange" feelings in my feet that come and go and change from foot to foot. I only had a feeling of burning in my feet twice. Sometimes there is a region that feels like there is something in my shoe. This has all come up in the past two months. Would alcoholic neuropathy take longer? Will it have more consistent symptoms? Will it show up on a neuro exam?The neurologist insists that I do not need conductivity testing. I just want to rule out alcohol before I drink anything again. It seems like from the literature I have read that alcoholic neuropathy develops after a lot of drinking and poor nutrition. And it seems to be pain that is constant that develops first. Is it true? I am currently taking Spironolactone, Yaz, and Urex.
Hello. I read carefully your question and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of alcoholic neuropathy. Anyway, tremor is very common after years of alcohol intake. I would first recommend checking vitamin B1 plasma levels and vitamin D plasma levels for possible deficiency. I agree with your neurologist, on the fact that when reflexes are present we can exclude peripheral neuropathy. But sometimes, single-fiber EMG (electromyography) would give more information on possible small fiber neuropathy. In the meantime, I would recommend taking magnesium supplements in order to help to improve your situation. You should discuss it with your doctor on the above tests. I hope this helps. 