Alcoholic Neuropathy Treatment in Turkey
About Alcoholic Neuropathy
Key Highlights
-
Comprehensive diagnosis through neurological exams and specialized tests (nerve conduction studies, EMG).Personalized treatment plan focusing on alcohol cessation and nutritional support.Effective pain and symptom management strategies to improve daily functioning.Multidisciplinary approach often involving addiction specialists, dietitians, and physical therapists.Aims to prevent further nerve damage and improve overall neurological health.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands and feet (stocking-glove distribution).
- Muscle weakness, cramps, or loss of coordination affecting mobility.
- Autonomic symptoms like dizziness, constipation, or urinary problems linked to alcohol use.
- History of chronic, heavy alcohol consumption with emerging neurological symptoms.
- To differentiate alcoholic neuropathy from other causes of neuropathy (e.g., diabetic, nutritional).
How to prepare
- Provide a detailed and honest history of alcohol consumption patterns.
- List all current medications, supplements, and any other substance use.
- Undergo preliminary blood tests to check vitamin levels (B1, B12, folate), liver function, and rule out other conditions.
- Wear comfortable clothing to facilitate the neurological physical examination.
- Be prepared to discuss overall diet, lifestyle, and any previous attempts to reduce alcohol intake.
Risks & possible complications
- Progression to permanent nerve damage and disability if alcohol use continues.
- Chronic pain syndromes that are difficult to manage.
- Increased risk of falls and injuries due to loss of sensation and muscle weakness.
- Potential side effects from prescribed medications (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness).
- Development of related conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome due to thiamine deficiency.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is a long-term process focused on halting progression and managing symptoms.
- Strict abstinence from alcohol is the most critical factor for neurological improvement.
- Adherence to prescribed vitamin supplements and a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Regular follow-up with the neurologist to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment.
- Engagement in physical therapy to maintain muscle strength, improve balance, and prevent contractures.
- Implementation of safety measures at home to prevent burns and injuries from reduced sensation.
-
Typical hospital stay:
Typically outpatient (0 days)
-
Expected recovery time:
Months to years (symptom management is ongoing)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering alcoholic neuropathy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for alcoholic neuropathy in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform alcoholic neuropathy. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for alcoholic neuropathy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Alcoholic Neuropathy in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing alcoholic neuropathy.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Vivaan Mehta, a 48-year-old software engineer,...
Vivaan Mehta, a 48-year-old software engineer, had built a successful career but had used alcohol to manage work stress for over two decades. It started as weekend social drinking but gradually became a nightly ritual. Over the past year, he began experiencing a persistent, burning pain in his feet, like 'walking on hot coals.' He also noticed numbness and a loss of balance, causing him to stumble. Initially, he dismissed it as fatigue, but when he started dropping coffee mugs due to weakness in his hands, his wife insisted he see a doctor. His primary care physician referred him to a neurologist. After a thorough examination, nerve conduction studies confirmed Alcoholic Neuropathy. The neurologist explained that the alcohol had damaged his peripheral nerves. The core recommendation was immediate and complete alcohol cessation, supported by medical detox and counseling. Treatment included high-dose B-vitamin supplements (especially B1/thiamine), medications like gabapentin for nerve pain, and a referral to physical therapy for balance and strength. The first month of sobriety was intensely difficult, with worsening pain and emotional turmoil. However, by the third month, the burning sensation began to subside. While the numbness in his feet remains, the pain is manageable, and his balance has improved significantly. Vivaan felt profound shame and fear when diagnosed, seeing it as a moral failure. Through therapy, he reframed it as a medical condition. His emotional journey shifted from despair to cautious hope. He now attends support meetings, feels reconnected with his family, and is learning to manage stress through healthier means, though he grieves the permanent nerve damage.