Alcohol Use Disorders and Neurological Illnesses

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with numerous neurological syndromes. In this chapter, we focus on conditions causing acute encephalopathy, neuropathy, and movement disorders. A combination of nutritional deficiencies and direct neurotoxicity can lead to demyelination and neuronal apoptosis, causing acute encephalopathy. Pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of these presentations are discussed with a focus on nutritional supplementation. A similar mechanism can lead to neuronal death in the peripheral nerves and cerebellum. This chapter discusses diagnostic workup and management of alcohol-related neuropathies and cerebellar degeneration. Finally, we discuss the clinical conundrums involved in the diagnosis and management of tremors in AUD patients.