RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Alcoholic vagal neuropathy: recovery following prolonged abstinence.
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 1335
OP 1337
DO 10.1136/jnnp.47.12.1335
VO 47
IS 12
A1 E T Tan
A1 R H Johnson
A1 D G Lambie
A1 E A Whiteside
YR 1984
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/47/12/1335.abstract
AB Cardiac vagal reflexes were studied in 11 alcoholic subjects, 1 to 6 weeks after withdrawal and again after up to 27 months of continued abstinence. On initial investigation six subjects had vagal neuropathy. On the second occasion only two subjects had vagal neuropathy and significant improvement was seen in the total patient group with regard to heart rate responses to standing, Valsalva's manoeuvre and atropine infusion. Vagal neuropathy in alcoholics may be reversible with abstinence and/or improved nutrition.