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What Causes Numbness In Hands And Feet After Drinking Excessive Alcohol?
Posted on
Thu, 29 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 29 May 2014
Answered on
Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I drink too much alcohol and have been experiencing numbness in my hands and feet when I first wake up
also my right foot has been numb during several parts of the last two day
also my right foot has been numb during several parts of the last two day
Brief Answer:
Chronic use can cause numbness.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is possible, for alcohol affects the nerves, especially when taken in large quantities and for a long time.
Alcohol reduces absorption of specific vitamins at the level of the gastrointestinal tract, vital for nerve transmission. Alcohol also decreases appetite in some persons, making then malnourished and making them lack specific nutrients necessary for nerve function.
Alcohol also has a direct toxic effect on the nerves. Numbness and muscle weakness are all symptoms that could arise from alcohol consumption.
Acute numbness or weakness is rarely associated to alcohol. Trauma, compression of a nerve should be checked. Exclusion of exposure to certain toxic substances lately is also important.
Consult with your doctor for a complete clinical review. Liver function tests and a complete blood count would be very useful. Kind regards.
Dr Bain
Chronic use can cause numbness.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is possible, for alcohol affects the nerves, especially when taken in large quantities and for a long time.
Alcohol reduces absorption of specific vitamins at the level of the gastrointestinal tract, vital for nerve transmission. Alcohol also decreases appetite in some persons, making then malnourished and making them lack specific nutrients necessary for nerve function.
Alcohol also has a direct toxic effect on the nerves. Numbness and muscle weakness are all symptoms that could arise from alcohol consumption.
Acute numbness or weakness is rarely associated to alcohol. Trauma, compression of a nerve should be checked. Exclusion of exposure to certain toxic substances lately is also important.
Consult with your doctor for a complete clinical review. Liver function tests and a complete blood count would be very useful. Kind regards.
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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