ALCOHOL RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE

[debbie6360]

I need help. My 75 year old father has been diagnoised with ataxic gait, intermittent left facial twitching, spasticity in both legs, a positive Hoffman's sign on left side. Numbness in fingers on both hands, memory loss, tingling sensation in both feet. As well as a bone spur in neck pressing on spinal cord, brain shrinkage, hardened areas of the frontal ...
lobe of brain, cortex of brain and brain shrinkage all as a result of years of alcohol use.  I need help in finding anyone that can help with the hand issue.

Thanks...............a very scared daughter!

Debbie

[boogieman]

howdy. two drinks a day (provided we're talking about normal serving sizes) is actually beneficial, and hardly indicative of a problem. i have seen instances of wernicke-korsakoff syndrome (aka wet brain) in which there were severe mental disturbances, involuntary movements and ataxia. w-k syndrome is a result of thiamine deficiency which impedes the processing of glucose in the brain. this is most destructive to the structures the spinal cord and the cerebral cortex. i get numbness myself as well as tremors in my hands at times. the jury is still out (and probably will be) as to whether my symptoms are from chemically induced nerve damage or from electrical injuries. if your father has a history of heavy alcohol intake, it may also be beneficial to begin administration of thiamine, but advanced cases of w-k do not respond to any known treatment. either way, the surgery will be a delicate procedure. i hope this helps and please ask if you have any other concerns. take care,  gm

[debbie6360]

We have seen a Neuro & Spine surgeon who has looked over all MRIs and he does not concur with the neurologist.  He stated that there is major constriction in the spinal cord behind his esaphogus which is  causing the loss of sensations in his hands and the staggering when he walks,  He advised his findings regarding the brain issues was that he has a fairly normal brain MRI for a 75 year old male who has had 2 severe brain concussions over the last 30 years from motorcycle accidents.  Our Neuro advised he could get my father to at least 3rd base by operating and inserting two metal plates and six screws to unconstrict the spinal cord and unfuse the disc that have degenerated in his neck.  I have also has this procedure done.  The only problem we see with my father is that they can't go thru the front of his neck due to bone growth, they will have to open him up thru the back of his neck which is much more complicated as far as recovery.  

As far as his alcohol consumption he might drink 2 glasses of wine or 2 beers several days a week, but that's it.  I don't believe this is the issue we are dealing with now.

Your thoughts..............do you know anyone who has been thru any of these symptons strictly from alcohol???

Thanks, and keep my family in your prayers.  Surgery is scheduled for April 13.

Debbie

[boogieman]

hi. ya, a neurologist would be your best resource for treating the existing damage. something else to consider-----if these things were alcohol induced, there is little chance of improvement if the drinking has not been addressed. there is a solution for this as well and the folks here could definitely help in relation to attaining and maintaining sobriety. best wishes,       gm

[ibizan]

i have not had a loved one with all of these symptoms.....i think his doctor is the best bet for helping u with medical questions...has he seen a neurologist?Sounds like he has some severe neurological damage!