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SSR abnormalities in chronic alcoholics.
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Gazi University, Ankara-Turkey. bijennazliel@yahoo.com
Addictive Behaviors
|September 15, 2006
Summary
Sympathetic skin response (SSR) studies reveal subclinical autonomic dysfunction in chronic alcoholics. This technique detects peripheral nervous system issues in individuals without overt symptoms or neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Studies
Background:
- Chronic alcoholism is associated with various neurological complications.
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a known complication, but subclinical forms are challenging to detect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subclinical autonomic nervous system dysfunction in chronic alcoholics using sympathetic skin response (SSR).
- To assess the utility of SSR in detecting peripheral nervous system abnormalities in asymptomatic alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- Sympathetic skin response (SSR) studies were conducted on 29 male chronic alcoholics (DSM-IV criteria).
- Patients had a mean alcohol abuse duration of 21 years and no signs of autonomic dysfunction.
- Nerve conduction velocities were normal; SSR latencies (hand and foot) were compared to controls.
Main Results:
- Alcoholic patients showed statistically significant prolonged hand (p=0.02) and foot (p=0.004) SSR latencies compared to controls.
- Abnormal SSR results were found in 44% of patients.
- Unilateral lower extremity latency prolongation was the most common abnormality (24%).
Conclusions:
- SSR can detect subclinical autonomic nervous system dysfunction in chronic alcoholics, even without clinical neuropathy.
- SSR provides valuable information on small unmyelinated C fibers, which are not assessed by standard clinical techniques.
- SSR is a sensitive tool for identifying early peripheral nervous system damage in alcoholism.
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