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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Headache, Sore Left Arm And Overall Numbness After Heavy Drinking. What Could This Be?

I have numbness on the left side of my body. My left arm is sore and my head hurts. I drank the past 3 nights. I'm only 21. But have been drinking for about 4 years and this never has happened. Even when I drank for a week straight. My leg is becoming numb. I have no problems with breathing, or chest pain. My neck aches too. I feel as if I have the flu.
Thu, 28 Nov 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to alcohol induced Peripheral neuropathy.
It occurs due to damage to nerve roots secondary to consumption of alcohol as well as the congeners present in it.

Other reasons that needs to be ruled out are:
1. Anemia (either Iron deficiency or Vit B12 deficiency anemia)
2. Any abnormality in blood pressure & blood sugar levels
3. Deficiency of certain nutrients like Iron, Vitamin B 12, Calcium, etc. which also interferes with blood formation & nerve conduction

Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of nervigenic agents like Vit B12, B6 & Folic acid.
Strict abstinence from alcohol is also required.
If you still find any difficulty, kindly get certain investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels & Thyroid profile.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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Headache, Sore Left Arm And Overall Numbness After Heavy Drinking. What Could This Be?

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to alcohol induced Peripheral neuropathy. It occurs due to damage to nerve roots secondary to consumption of alcohol as well as the congeners present in it. Other reasons that needs to be ruled out are: 1. Anemia (either Iron deficiency or Vit B12 deficiency anemia) 2. Any abnormality in blood pressure & blood sugar levels 3. Deficiency of certain nutrients like Iron, Vitamin B 12, Calcium, etc. which also interferes with blood formation & nerve conduction Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of nervigenic agents like Vit B12, B6 & Folic acid. Strict abstinence from alcohol is also required. If you still find any difficulty, kindly get certain investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels & Thyroid profile. Wishing you a good health. Take care.