Alcoholic brain damage and neurological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal--manifestations of overhydration.

Central nervous system damage is a major complication of alcohol abuse. Vitamin deficiency, particularly thiamine deficiency, has a role in producing pathological and psychological changes of alcoholic brain damage, but it is likely that alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the brain. It is proposed that neuropathological abnormalities seen in alcoholics, and also neurological symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, may reflect cerebral edema caused by alcohol. The neurological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal show a similarity to those seen in hyponatremia or water intoxication. It is suggested that alcoholics show overhydration particularly during withdrawal and that pathological changes in the alcoholic brain are related to cerebral edema. Cerebral edema in withdrawing alcoholics may be caused by inappropriate section of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone).