Neurological manifestations of chronic alcoholism

Gordillo Y.S.; Casas O.Y.M.; Medina C.A.C. · Acta Neurologica Colombiana (2025) · DOI: 10.22379/anc.v41i2.1883

Resumen

Introduction: Ethyl alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances throughout the world. It is a public health problem due to its high morbidity and mortality as well as its economic impact. Content: Chronic alcohol consumption induces changes in the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system; these neurological effects affect up to 50% of consumers, resulting in multiple neurological complications that may become irreversible. The mechanisms of neurological damage are variable, within the chronic complications are Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, alcoholic neuropathy, chronic alcoholic myopathy, and severe withdrawal syndrome. Conclusions: Chronic alcohol consumption can cause various neurological complications, early diagnosis of these and timely intervention of alcohol use disorder, proves to be important and is one of the most cost-effectives measures to avoid secondary irreversible neurological complications.