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Friday, January 18, 2008

Illicit Alcohol Consumption and Neuropathy – A Preliminary Study in Sri Lanka
Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on January 18, 2008



To compare the effects on peripheral and autonomic nerve functions of Sri Lankan illicitly distilled alcohol consumption versus legal spirit consumption.

Lower-limb motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters were affected in both groups of alcoholics. When compared with controls, in illicit spirit drinkers the mean heart rate indexes of all parasympathetic tests were lower while in legal spirit drinkers the heart rate response to standing was affected. There were no differences in the results of the above tests when the two groups of heavy drinkers were compared.

Though chronic alcoholism results in peripheral and autonomic nerve damage, the damage caused by consumption of illicitly distilled spirit is not worse than the damage caused by consumption of legal spirits.

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Request Reprint E-Mail: himanif@mfac.kln.ac.lk

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