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Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
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Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
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Alcohol and the central nervous system.

Maytal Wolfe1,2, Arun Menon1,3, Maria Oto2

  • 1University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

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Summary

This review details how alcohol (ethanol) impacts the central nervous system (CNS), causing acute and chronic neurological disorders. It also covers diagnosis and management strategies for alcohol-related neurological conditions.

Keywords:
ALCOHOL-RELATED PROBLEMS

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ethanol consumption is widespread globally, with significant but often overlooked effects on the nervous system.
  • Research has predominantly focused on hepatic effects, neglecting the broad neurological impact of alcohol.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of neurological disorders resulting from acute and chronic ethanol use.
  • To provide practical guidance for neurologists on diagnosing and managing alcohol-related neurological conditions and addiction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ethanol's effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Analysis of neurochemical and structural changes associated with sustained alcohol intake.
  • Examination of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Main Results:

  • Sustained ethanol intake can lead to acute neurochemical changes and chronic structural CNS damage.
  • Specific conditions include cortical/cerebellar atrophy, amnesic syndromes (e.g., Korsakoff's), and white matter disorders (e.g., CPM, MSB).
  • Alcohol consumption during pregnancy significantly harms fetal health.

Conclusions:

  • Ethanol poses a significant threat to CNS structure and function, leading to diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions.
  • Effective diagnosis and management of alcohol-related neurological disorders are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Increased attention is needed for alcohol's impact on fetal health.