Numbness

[jmb5730]

My wife was diagnosed about 2 month's ago with Acute Acoholic Hepatitis.  She has
been in and out of the hospital a couple of times for pneumonia and an infection as well
as for the liver disease.

Would the numbness and pins and needles feeling that she is experiencing in her feet
and hands have anything to do with the liver disease or would it be because of her in activity
and the fact that she has been bed ridden for the better part of 2 weeks?

Would physical therapy where she is scheduled to go with in the next couple of days
help this condition?

Thank you in advance for your reply

John

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Alcoholic neuropathy is quite common, occurring in up to 75% of alcoholics. Neuropathies, i.e., nerve injuries, can be of two varieties – large fiber or small fiber. The neuropathy associated with alcoholism is a mixture of the two. Clinically, patients will have sensory changes (usually pain or discomfort) in feet or calves. The diagnosis, in addition to a thorough neurological examination, usually requires an EMG/NCS to evaluate the nerves in more detail. It would be important for your wife to also have a thiamine level checked since this vitamin may be deficient in patients with alcoholism.

The treatment of this condition depends on the underlying source. Typically, patients will need to be on vitamin supplementation, stop drinking alcohol (in a controlled environment if withdrawal is a consideration), and medications such as pregabalin or gabapentin may help with the sensory changes. The physical therapy will be useful to treat the deconditioning from being bedridden.  

I would suggest that your wife be evaluated by a neurologist in the future for a thorough examination and possibly EMG/NCS.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[snugglepuss]

Has your wife been tested for blood sugar issues?  The liver plays a big part in type II diabetes, as well as the pancreas, both of which are hugely affected by alcohol.  Blood sugar issues can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.  

How long has she had the issue with her hands and her feet for?  Only since she became bedridden?