Alcohol-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Definition

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Alcohol-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy:

A condition where damage to the peripheral nervous system (including the peripheral elements of the autonomic nervous system) is associated with chronic ingestion of alcoholic beverages. The disorder may be caused by a direct effect of alcohol, an associated nutritional deficiency, or a combination of factors. Clinical manifestations include variable degrees of weakness; ATROPHY; PARESTHESIAS; pain; loss of reflexes; sensory loss; diaphoresis; and postural hypotension. (From Arch Neurol 1995;52(1):45-51; Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1146)

Synonym: alcohol-related polyneuropathy, alcohol-related autonomic polyneuropathy, alcohol-induced polyneuropathy, alcoholic polyneuropathy, alcoholic polyneuritis, alcoholic polyneuritides, alcoholic neuropathy, alcoholic axonal neuropathy.