Alcoholic polyneuropathy.
Alcoholic polyneuropathy is a common disorder, characterized by nonspecific clinical, electromyographic, and pathologic features. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography disclose findings consistent with a generalized, sensorimotor, axonal degenerative, polyneuropathy. Alcoholic polyneuropathy may be suspected when such findings occur in the setting of long-standing alcoholism and malnutrition. The lack of specific diagnostic criteria for alcoholic polyneuropathy requires that other potential etiologies be excluded before that diagnosis is made. The institution of a nutritionally-balanced diet constitutes the principal therapy for alcoholic polyneuropathy, however, significant improvement following such therapy is not frequently seen.
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000473:pathology; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology