Alcoholic polyneuropathy is defined by damage to the sensory and motor systems as a result of axon degeneration caused primarily by chronic alcohol misuse. Vitamin deficiencies and heavy metal exposure are also known to contribute to the development of this disease. Because each axon begins to degenerate from the distal end, longer axons are first to be affected. As the disease progresses, axon degeneration advances toward the cell body along with demyelination. Patients are characterized by numbness or pain in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, problems urinating, and heat intolerance, in addition to other symptoms.
As a group, we plan to further research this topic and include the following subheadings:
- Description of what it is (include classification)
- Signs and Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Prognosis
- Pathophysiology
- Incidence and Distribution
- History
- Ongoing Research
- See Also
- References
- Further Reading
We will split up the sections evenly for research and continuously look over each others work. We will split up the subheadings as follows:
Kelly: Description, Pathophysiology, Causes, Prognosis, See Also, References, Further Reading
Tess: Description, Ongoing Research, History, Incidence and Distribution, See Also, References, Further Reading
Dave: Description, Signs and Symptoms, Management, Diagnosis, See Also, References, Further Reading
Lastly, we will all add images, edit the page, and contribute to other subheadings as we find information.
Here are a few of our sources we intend to use:
Vittadini, G., Buonocore, M., Colli, G., Terzi, M., Fonte, R., and Biscaldi, G. (2001). “Alcoholic Polyneuropathy: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study”. Oxford Journals 36(5), 393-400.
Mawdsley, C., and Mayer, R.F. (1965). “Nerve Conduction in Alcoholic Polyneuropathy”. Oxford Journals 88(2), 335-356.
Dugdale, D.C. (2009-06-24). "Alcoholic Neuropathy". Retrieved 2011-02-20.