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Why is my brother weak after stopping alcohol?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 28, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My brother is suffering from extreme numbness and pain in soles and palms. He also experiences constipation, weight loss, dizziness and lack of appetite. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. After reviewing the data you provided, it appears that weight loss and loss of appetite can commonly be caused by fever. It would be important to inquire about any current or recent history of diabetes or hepatitis, as blood tests would be necessary to determine the underlying cause. You can consider taking syrup Bayer's tonic to help increase your appetite. Numbness in the palms and soles is often associated with vitamin deficiencies and diabetes, so taking a multivitamin like Revital once daily in the afternoon may be beneficial. For the symptoms of dizziness, which can be caused by various factors such as high or low blood pressure or ear problems, I recommend consulting a general physician for a comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, taking the tablet Vertin 16 mg (Betahistine) now may help alleviate dizziness. It is important to stay hydrated and consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, I strongly advise you to consult your doctor, and obtain their consent before initiating any medication.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

He was alcoholic for the past 15 years, but left it recently. We have some blood reports which are attached herewith. He is getting weak day by day and stopped walking. I do not like to see my brother bedridden. Please suggest something helpful. Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I had gone through all the reports that you have posted (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Most of the reports were normal, I will comment on abnormal ones and what need to be done for them.

  • Patients with chronic alcohol intake after stopping alcohol will develop what is called alcohol withdrawal. It may be simple or complicated.
  • Symptoms are like tremors of hand, swaying to either side while walking straight, sleeplessness at nights and some people may go into complicated withdrawal which will have breathlessness, high heartbeat and speaking to people who are not there actually (hallucinations).
  • These usually start in four to five days and may last for two to three weeks after stopping alcohol intake.
  • Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which keeps brain low. So, when suddenly we stop taking alcohol that depressant action is lost and hyperexcitation may occur.
  • In the report, he has low serum calcium level. Though total serum calcium may be low, the active form of ionic calcium may be normal. So, you need not worry about it much. I suggest tablet Shelcal 500 mg (contains calcium and vitamin D) once daily in the afternoon.
  • His HDL is low. High density lipoprotein can be increased only by exercise. Do regular physical activity and no need to take medication for this.
  • His WBC count is low. Low white blood cell count with high percent lymphocyte is suggestive of viral fever. If he has fever then ask him to take rest and symptomatic therapy accordingly like Dolo (Acetaminophen) for fever and tablet MTFX (combination of Montelukast and Fexofenadine) once in the morning for cold.
  • We need to stop non-vegetarian foods to avoid animal protein and give more vegetables.
  • He has to pass stools twice a day, use laxative if necessary like syrup Lactihep (Lactitol Monohydrate) 10 mL at bedtime.
  • Threptin biscuits can be taken which has vegetable protein in it and helpful for body metabolism. Tablet Benfo plus (benfotiamine) once daily in the morning has to be taken.
  • For alcohol withdrawal management, we need to see patient directly that will be more beneficial to patient. We use drugs like Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Olanzapine and Lorazepam for management, which will replace the depressant effect of alcohol on brain.
  • You need to get an ultrasound liver to look for echotexture, get it done when you consult a physician or gastroenterologist.
  • We need to stop alcohol completely. As of now liver is alright, but if damage occurs irreversibly then it would be difficult to manage.

For further doubts consult an internal medicine physician online -->https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Now he has extreme numbness and pain in soles and palms, which has increased after quitting alcohol. He is not drinking for the past four months. He had low BP of 50/60 mmHg some days back and had to be given IV drip. His main problem is that he is not able to walk or work due to pain in soles and palms. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Kindly note that the pain and numbness in soles are due to sensory neuropathy due to alcohol. For this we need to use tablet Pregabalin plus Methylcobalamin as I said earlier.
  • Detailed neurological examination is necessary to ascertain the cause for this. So, consult a general physician or neurophysician for detailed examination and if required nerve conduction studies.
  • For blood pressure give him buttermilk with added salt in it and include pickle in the diet.

For further doubts consult an internal medicine physician online -->https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naresh Kumar M.
Dr. Naresh Kumar M.

Internal Medicine

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