Rhabdomyolysis and Multiple Peripheral Neuropathies in Lower Legs following Heavy Alcohol Abuse - A Case Report -

Case Report

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2016;18(1):22-27.
Published online June 30, 2016.

Received: 12 February 2016 • Revised: 23 May 2016 • Accepted: 24 May 2016

Abstract

We report a 44-year-old man with multiple peripheral neuropathies who developed bilateral lower extremity weakness. The patient was initially admitted, experiencing severe erythematous swelling and pain in both lower legs after heavy alcohol abuse. Due to his binge drinking history, the initial laboratory test suggested non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis and the Magnetic resonance images showed edema in the bilateral gluteus minimus and medius, pyriformis, and tibialis anterior muscles. The electrodiagnostic study also showed bilateral sural, tibial, and peroneal neuropathies. So, the patient began receiving electrical stimulation test (EST) and gait training with bilateral UD-flex orthosis and crutches. The gait training was not only performed inside the hospital but also outdoor as well. In conclusion, in patients with history of alcohol abuse, multiple neuropathies can be caused as the result of immobilization, electrolyte imbalance, compression, and direct myotoxicity. Therefore, we strongly suggest an early diagnosis and an appropriate rehabilitative management in preventing severe secondary complications such as neuropathies.

Key Words: rhabdomyolysis, alcohol, neuropathy