Hangover Pins & Needles?

Medicine Man- Dr Steve Trumble

Of course, I have to point out that not drinking too much alcohol is the best way to avoid hangovers. Having said that, there are a couple of things that could be going on here. One is that alcohol in large quantities is a potent poison, and over time it can damage the peripheral nerves (those that supply your hands and feet). It can also wreck your spinal cord and brain, but that’s a bit further down the track.

Damage to the nerves can cause “peripheral neuropathy”, and a pins-and-needles sensation is a feature of that. You’d better see your doctor to have your peripheral nerves checked out (as well as your liver function).

With any luck, you’ll be told that it’s just another possibility: you may be hyperventilating to try to blow off your hangover toxins and that’s causing the tingles. Go easy.

Answers given are general in nature and do not constitute actual medical advice. For more information, see your GP.

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