Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 23, 2022
Hi @bocagrande, welcome to the neuropathy group. Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue. I'm bringing in other members who have talked about neuropathy and alcohol like @purplewillow@missmandy34@jeffrapp@kimchi19 and others. @johnbishop can also share his neuropathy experiences at Mayo Clinic.
The success of treatment of alcohol-related neuropathy may depend on the extent of damage to the nerves. Bocagrande, do your symptoms subside when you stop drinking or is the damage permanent? Do you have pain, numbness or both?
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 23, 2022
Hi @bocagrande, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and other members. My small fiber peripheral neuropathy is not related to alcohol but as soon as I was diagnosed I stopped consuming any form of alcohol. Mainly because all of the research I found that alcohol can induce neuropathy and for me it stands to reason if it can cause neuropathy it can also make it worse. My neuropathy was diagnosed by a Mayo Rochester neurologist but since I only have the numbness symptom and no pain there are no specific treatments he could suggest. That's actually what brought me to Mayo Clinic Connect when I started searching and trying to learn as much as I could about my diagnosis. Really happy I found Connect as it's a great place to learn what other members have tried and found helpful.
Not officially as far as I am concerned. It all started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed having spinal stenosis with nerve impingement L4-5. However, nerve conduction test showed nerve damage not related to the stenosis. I do not have diabetes, not overweight and have worked out usually 5 days a week for years. Had 80th birthday last week. Past 5 years, legs got weaker with numbness and tingling primarily in feet. Neurologist tested for all suspected possible causes. Cancer doctors and blood specialists did the same. Stenosis can cause these same feelings. Been to several physical therapist and two prominent spine surgeons, neither who suggested surgery. I have been a social drinker for many years. At the end of the day, they all suggest that must be the issue causing my situation. No one has told me of any test that is available to have an affirmation. One thing I mentioned to all the doctors is when this all started, I had a doctor who first treated my back pain with 3 separate steroid injections in L4-5 and S1. Each time the injections sent me off the table in initial pain. I have had those injections twice over the past 4 years and every doctor said they had never heard of that type of pain with the actual injections. After that, I was left with the numbness and tingling which led me down this 4 year journey. Thanks
Not officially as far as I am concerned. It all started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed having spinal stenosis with nerve impingement L4-5. However, nerve conduction test showed nerve damage not related to the stenosis. I do not have diabetes, not overweight and have worked out usually 5 days a week for years. Had 80th birthday last week. Past 5 years, legs got weaker with numbness and tingling primarily in feet. Neurologist tested for all suspected possible causes. Cancer doctors and blood specialists did the same. Stenosis can cause these same feelings. Been to several physical therapist and two prominent spine surgeons, neither who suggested surgery. I have been a social drinker for many years. At the end of the day, they all suggest that must be the issue causing my situation. No one has told me of any test that is available to have an affirmation. One thing I mentioned to all the doctors is when this all started, I had a doctor who first treated my back pain with 3 separate steroid injections in L4-5 and S1. Each time the injections sent me off the table in initial pain. I have had those injections twice over the past 4 years and every doctor said they had never heard of that type of pain with the actual injections. After that, I was left with the numbness and tingling which led me down this 4 year journey. Thanks
Have you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)? I think you could be right about stenosis causing the same type of symptoms. Nerve compression of any kind can cause the symptoms. There is a discussion on the topic that you might want to read through to learn what others have shared.
Have you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)? I think you could be right about stenosis causing the same type of symptoms. Nerve compression of any kind can cause the symptoms. There is a discussion on the topic that you might want to read through to learn what others have shared.
Have you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)? I think you could be right about stenosis causing the same type of symptoms. Nerve compression of any kind can cause the symptoms. There is a discussion on the topic that you might want to read through to learn what others have shared.
Hi @bocagrande, welcome to the neuropathy group. Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue. I'm bringing in other members who have talked about neuropathy and alcohol like @purplewillow@missmandy34@jeffrapp@kimchi19 and others. @johnbishop can also share his neuropathy experiences at Mayo Clinic.
The success of treatment of alcohol-related neuropathy may depend on the extent of damage to the nerves. Bocagrande, do your symptoms subside when you stop drinking or is the damage permanent? Do you have pain, numbness or both?
Alcohol alone, without alterations of Vitamin B1, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
I have also been a nearly daily social drinker until recently. At least one of my providers felt that this was most likely the cause of my PN. Others have almost scoffed at the idea, considering my level of alcohol use.
Soon after my diagnosis, I completely abstained for several months. Nevertheless, my PN was progressive. At this time, I drink a glass or 2 of wine nearly daily. The PN continues to be progressive.
My take is that no one knows precisely the amount of alcohol necessary to cause alcoholic PN. Furthermore, I believe once the nerves are damaged, from whatever cause, it is unlikely they will heal.
It's the individual patient's call, whether to give up or reduce your alcohol intake. If you do, you may be limiting the progression of the disease. The down side is that you have to give up drinking, without really knowing if it makes any difference.
As with almost everything about this maddening disease, its confusing.
Good morning @sikocesca. I am just waking up and saw your question about MFR. I am happy to say......"Yes, MFR can help numbness and tingling in the feet."
I have MFR sessions every week. One of my therapists works on my feet and there is a good reason. I have to be able to drive and I don't want to be dangerous on the road. I need to feel the brake and gas pedal. Here is what she told me about the way she insures my safety and actually others on the road.
"Bilateral leg and foot release followed by soft tissue mobilization of the plantar area using cross-fiber friction techniques."
I am sure you will be able to receive sufficient foot treatment to be a safe and comfortable driver. Have you been diagnosed with SFN.....small fiber neuropathy?
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
Good morning @sikocesca. I am just waking up and saw your question about MFR. I am happy to say......"Yes, MFR can help numbness and tingling in the feet."
I have MFR sessions every week. One of my therapists works on my feet and there is a good reason. I have to be able to drive and I don't want to be dangerous on the road. I need to feel the brake and gas pedal. Here is what she told me about the way she insures my safety and actually others on the road.
"Bilateral leg and foot release followed by soft tissue mobilization of the plantar area using cross-fiber friction techniques."
I am sure you will be able to receive sufficient foot treatment to be a safe and comfortable driver. Have you been diagnosed with SFN.....small fiber neuropathy?
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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What success has anyone experienced for alcohol neuropathy treatment at Mayo Clinic
Hi @bocagrande, welcome to the neuropathy group. Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue. I'm bringing in other members who have talked about neuropathy and alcohol like @purplewillow @missmandy34 @jeffrapp @kimchi19 and others. @johnbishop can also share his neuropathy experiences at Mayo Clinic.
The success of treatment of alcohol-related neuropathy may depend on the extent of damage to the nerves. Bocagrande, do your symptoms subside when you stop drinking or is the damage permanent? Do you have pain, numbness or both?
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1 ReactionHi @bocagrande, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and other members. My small fiber peripheral neuropathy is not related to alcohol but as soon as I was diagnosed I stopped consuming any form of alcohol. Mainly because all of the research I found that alcohol can induce neuropathy and for me it stands to reason if it can cause neuropathy it can also make it worse. My neuropathy was diagnosed by a Mayo Rochester neurologist but since I only have the numbness symptom and no pain there are no specific treatments he could suggest. That's actually what brought me to Mayo Clinic Connect when I started searching and trying to learn as much as I could about my diagnosis. Really happy I found Connect as it's a great place to learn what other members have tried and found helpful.
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on alcohol related neuropathy that you might find helpful.
-- Alcohol: https://www.foundationforpn.org/causes/alcohol/
Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy caused by alcohol?
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2 ReactionsNot officially as far as I am concerned. It all started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed having spinal stenosis with nerve impingement L4-5. However, nerve conduction test showed nerve damage not related to the stenosis. I do not have diabetes, not overweight and have worked out usually 5 days a week for years. Had 80th birthday last week. Past 5 years, legs got weaker with numbness and tingling primarily in feet. Neurologist tested for all suspected possible causes. Cancer doctors and blood specialists did the same. Stenosis can cause these same feelings. Been to several physical therapist and two prominent spine surgeons, neither who suggested surgery. I have been a social drinker for many years. At the end of the day, they all suggest that must be the issue causing my situation. No one has told me of any test that is available to have an affirmation. One thing I mentioned to all the doctors is when this all started, I had a doctor who first treated my back pain with 3 separate steroid injections in L4-5 and S1. Each time the injections sent me off the table in initial pain. I have had those injections twice over the past 4 years and every doctor said they had never heard of that type of pain with the actual injections. After that, I was left with the numbness and tingling which led me down this 4 year journey. Thanks
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHave you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)? I think you could be right about stenosis causing the same type of symptoms. Nerve compression of any kind can cause the symptoms. There is a discussion on the topic that you might want to read through to learn what others have shared.
Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
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3 ReactionsNo I have not. Thanks. I will check it out.
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2 ReactionsHas anyone has success with MFR related to numbness, pain and tingling in the feet and lower legs???
Alcohol alone, without alterations of Vitamin B1, can cause peripheral neuropathy.
I have also been a nearly daily social drinker until recently. At least one of my providers felt that this was most likely the cause of my PN. Others have almost scoffed at the idea, considering my level of alcohol use.
Soon after my diagnosis, I completely abstained for several months. Nevertheless, my PN was progressive. At this time, I drink a glass or 2 of wine nearly daily. The PN continues to be progressive.
My take is that no one knows precisely the amount of alcohol necessary to cause alcoholic PN. Furthermore, I believe once the nerves are damaged, from whatever cause, it is unlikely they will heal.
It's the individual patient's call, whether to give up or reduce your alcohol intake. If you do, you may be limiting the progression of the disease. The down side is that you have to give up drinking, without really knowing if it makes any difference.
As with almost everything about this maddening disease, its confusing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsGood morning @sikocesca. I am just waking up and saw your question about MFR. I am happy to say......"Yes, MFR can help numbness and tingling in the feet."
I have MFR sessions every week. One of my therapists works on my feet and there is a good reason. I have to be able to drive and I don't want to be dangerous on the road. I need to feel the brake and gas pedal. Here is what she told me about the way she insures my safety and actually others on the road.
"Bilateral leg and foot release followed by soft tissue mobilization of the plantar area using cross-fiber friction techniques."
I am sure you will be able to receive sufficient foot treatment to be a safe and comfortable driver. Have you been diagnosed with SFN.....small fiber neuropathy?
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am living on Long Island and am trying to find an MFR therapist who will take my insurance.
Thanks for the input