Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Aerobic Exercise for Alcohol-Related Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report

Alcohol use disorders can cause peripheral and central neurological disorders with symptoms such as pain, numbness, paresthesia, and dysesthesia, often impairing walking ability. However, effective treatments for alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy are yet to be identified. This case report highlights the successful use of dysesthesia-matched transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (DM-TENS) and aerobic exercise in a 53-year-old woman with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy who presented with severe pain and walking difficulties. Initially, her pain and numbness were scored 8-9 on the numerical rating scale (NRS), and her timed up-and-go test (TUG) time was 23.00 seconds. DM-TENS reduced her symptoms (NRS: 3), and the introduction of aerobic exercise further enhanced her recovery. After six days, her pain and numbness improved (NRS: 5), and her walking ability markedly increased (TUG: 10.94 s). By day 10, her symptoms had significantly resolved (NRS: 1). This case suggests that combining DM-TENS and aerobic exercise can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility, and offer a promising therapeutic approach to alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy.