Assessment of neurological dysfunction and recovery in alcoholics: CT scanning and other techniques

The neurological complications of alcoholism are briefly mentioned. The cerebral dysfunction associated with long-term alcohol abuse is discussed in detail. The techniques used for measurement of functional deficits and cerebral morphological abnormalities are outlined. Significant correlations were noted between cerebral atrophy and functional measurements. Age was the most important covariate except in those alcoholics with the Wernicke's syndrome or an amnesic syndrome (with VIQ-MQ greater than or equal to 15). Partial reversibility of functional and cerebral atrophy measurements was noted in some recently abstinent alcoholics. EEG abnormalities also tended to improve in some alcoholics. A prolonged but resolving CSF acidosis was noted in many subjects. Possible biological mechanisms and the treatment implications of the sometimes slow (weeks to months) but remarkable functional recovery seen in some recently abstinent alcoholics are discussed.