Abstract

Alcoholic Polyneuropathy has been reported to be present in 13%–66% of chronic alcoholics. It has a slow, progressive onset over months to years and it always affects the lower extremity more than the upper extremity and begins distally. A predominant sensory type with axonal type more predominant than demyelination peripheral neuropathy was seen in alcoholic cirrhosis shown in several studies. Montfort R et al. (1995) have found the dose-related toxic effect of alcohol causing autonomic and peripheral neuropathy. To compared the nerve conduction velocity among Alcoholics and non- alcoholics. Material and Methods: In our study we have taken 30 cases with a history of more than 10 years of intake of alcohol and 30 controls from age group 30 -60 years. A computerized RMS EMG EP, Mark-II, machine will be used in the study. Filters will be set at 2 Hz AND 5 kHz for motor studies and at 20 HZ and 3 kHz for sensory studies. Study design- A case–control comparative study. Statistical analysis- Unpaired student T-test, regression, and analysis. p- value<.005 will be significant Results: After comparing the data gathered by applying an unpaired t-test Our study showed a decreased motor nerve conduction velocity and as well sensory nerve conduction velocity of upper and lower limb There is a statistically significant difference seen in the conduction velocity of alcoholics when compared with non-alcoholics groups of the motor and sensory nerves (p<0.005). No effect was observed with duration of alcohol intake on nerve conduction velocity. Conclusion: Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy is a mixed axonal and demyelinating, length-dependent, sensorimotor neuropathy with dominant sensory features.

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