Chronic Neurologic Effects of Alcohol.

Nadia Hammoud, Joohi Jimenez-Shahed

Journal: Clinics in liver disease 2019;23(1):141-155

PMID: 30454828

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Chronic alcohol use induces silent changes in the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems that eventually result in irreversible, debilitating repercussions. Once identified, nutritional supplementation and cessation measures are critical in preventing further neurologic damage. The proposed mechanisms of neuronal injury in chronic alcohol abuse include direct toxic effects of alcohol and indirect effects, including those resulting from hepatic dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and neuroinflammation. Clinical manifestations include cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy. Continued exploration of the pathophysiologic mechanisms may lead to the discovery of early interventions that can prevent permanent neurologic injury.

Address: Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, MS: BCM609, Houston, TX 77030, USA.; Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, MS:BCM609, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2018.09.010

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MeSH Terms: Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System, Alcohol-Related Disorders, Alcoholic Korsakoff Syndrome, Alcoholic Neuropathy, Alcoholism, Cerebellar Ataxia, Humans, Neurotransmitter Agents