• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Ask Dr. Bob

QUESTION
I would like to know what the effects of alcohol on the spinal cord are. Everything that I have tried to find is about injuries and not about alcohol and the effects on the spine. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER
Thank you for this provocative question. It would have been useful to know "why" you have this interest? Is there spinal cord damage or threat of damage in someone who is alcoholic but who has not suffered an accident?

We would first refer you to our brief discussion of alcoholic brain damage (July/Aug 2001). The many types of brain injury and dysfunction along with the intricate connections between brain and spinal cord make it highly likely that similar damage can also affect the spinal cord. I must preface my answer further by reminding you that as a psychiatrist, spinal cord disease is not my expertise and a neurologist should be consulted for a more expert opinion!

Much of the spinal cord is made up of nerve tracts extending up and down the cord. As such these nerve pathways relay electrical impulses in both directions. Generally, sensory impulses (touch, pain) travel upward to brain centers and motor impulses (movement, coordination) travel downward from brain centers to cord ganglia (groups of cells). From here these impulses pass along other nerves to various body locations: arm, leg, etc.

Some sorts of brain damage might then also adversely effect tracts thru the spinal cord. In addition, a relatively uncommon condition known as myelopathy (spinal cord disease) may result from alcoholism-related conditions such as liver disease or folate deficiency and, occasionally, from the toxic effects of alcohol itself. Symptoms of myelopathy include unsteadiness, poor coordination, weakness and spasticity of muscles.

The direct toxic effect of alcohol can leave the patient with a more common and debilitating condition, peripheral neuropathy, with troublesome leg weakness, burning sensations and pain, and, if the autonomic nerves are involved, impotence and sexual dysfunction.

The treatment of all of these conditions is quite similar. Abstinence from alcohol is essential, so treatment for alcoholism is also essential! In addition, vitamins (folate, thiamine) may be emphasized along with proper nutrition and appropriate physical therapy. These are generally chronic problems which do not improve rapidly.

Dr. Bob



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Disclaimer

Dr. Bob does not provide specific medical advice or a medical diagnosis for any particular condition described, nor verify the authenticity of any information described in the questions presented. Patients should always consult their physician to discuss any specific symptoms, conditions, or modes of therapy for any particular mental or physical difficulties, diseases or conditions.

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