Alcoholic myopathy

Alcoholic myopathy is often combined with alcoholic polyneuropathy.

There are several variants of alcoholic myopathy.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7],

Symptoms of the alcoholic myopathy

The most frequent variant of myopathy is chronic alcoholic myopathy. The disease develops gradually. Within a few weeks or months, diffuse weakness and muscle thinning increase. Reflexes in the early stages are preserved, in the presence of polyneuropathy - reduced. Against the background of a long binge can develop acute toxic myopathy with painful spasms. The main manifestations are muscular weakness, mainly in the proximal parts of the lower limbs, and pronounced krumpi in the affected muscles.

Another cause of development of muscle weakness with prolonged use of alcohol may be electrolyte disorders, in particular, hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. In this regard, it is necessary to determine the levels of electrolytes and blood serum.

Against the backdrop of many days of hard drinking, acute necrotic myopathy with myoglobinuria may develop. There are severe pain in the muscles, asymmetric muscle weakness, mainly in the proximal parts of the limbs, with palpation note the swelling, density and tenderness of the muscles of the legs and lower body.

[8], [9], [10]

Diagnostics of the alcoholic myopathy

Laboratory diagnostics

Increase in the level of creatinine phosphokinase in the blood, myoglobinuria.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17]

Instrumental methods

On electroneuromyogram myopathic changes.

An electrocardiogram indicates abnormalities in rhythm and conductivity.

Treatment of the alcoholic myopathy

Recommended administration of thiamine 50 100 mg per day intramuscularly. In addition, prescribe sedatives and pain medications. A balanced diet, refusal of alcohol, correction of water-electrolyte disturbances are necessary. Some patients need hemodialysis. Recovery takes several months and is often incomplete.