ALCOHOLIC NEURITIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 7 (Supplement)

ALCOHOLIC NEURITIS.

BT A FAMILT DOCTOR.

Alcohol is. a-strange drug, in that its effects on different individuals varies so enormously. One man can drink laige quantities and yet seem to be immune from the unpleasant effects; while others who seem to drink really very little may fall victims to one or other of the diseases due to alcohol. Alcoholic neuritis comes on very gradually, the early symptoms being generally tingling and numbness in hands and feet, with cramps in the legs. Sometimes the legs feel too hot or too cold, and there may be aching or sharp pains in them. The symptoms are usually worst at night and sleep is seriously interfered with. Later there is great weakness of the legs, with tenderness of the sole:, of the feet and of the calf muscles—so that the weight of the legs on the bed may be unbearable. The weakness affects mainly the legs below the knees and the arms below the elbows; the wrist may be unable to be lifted and the feet may drop at the ankles, so that the patients step high to avoid tripping over their toes. _ In addition to the neuritis there is nearly always a change in the mentally. The memory goes and there is a lossof all idea as to place and time. i c y tell you with all' sincerity long stories of things that could not possibly have happened. . Alcoholic neuritis not infrequently occurs in those who drink secretly. The disease requires that alcohol be stopped completely and for ever; but it is often necessary at first to reduce the amount taken gradually. The patient should be kept in lied or propped up and given plenty of food—a glass of milk being added to each meal. The affected limbs must be kept still and protected from the weight of the bed clothes. Massage should only be given after pain, tingling, etc., has disappeared.