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Abnormal sympathetic skin response in alcoholic subjects
J Valls-Sole1, R Monforte, R Estruch
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Alcoholic subjects exhibit impaired autonomic function, specifically in sympathetic sudomotor activity. This dysfunction stems from damage to the most distal nerve segments, affecting peripheral nerve fibers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Studies
- Alcohol-Related Neuropathy
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction is observed in alcoholics, but its cause remains unclear.
- Previous research lacks evidence of damage to autonomic centers or small peripheral nerve fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral autonomic nervous system function in alcoholic subjects.
- To assess sympathetic skin response (SSR) in the hands and feet of alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological study of SSR in 70 alcoholic and 33 non-alcoholic subjects.
- Simultaneous SSR recordings in palm and fingertip after median nerve stimulation.
- Conventional electrophysiological study to identify peripheral polyneuropathy (ECPN).
Main Results:
- Absent SSR in fingertips (18/70 alcoholics) and feet (37/70 alcoholics) were observed.
- A significant correlation was found between absent SSR and ECPN.
- Absent responses were more prevalent in the distal nerve segments.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholics experience sympathetic sudomotor dysfunction.
- This dysfunction is attributed to axonal involvement in the distal nerve segments.
- Findings suggest alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy affects autonomic function.