<p class="title">Overdose of alcohol is one of the major health problems worldwide. Everything in moderation is always safe, especially in case of alcohol. Binge drinking can be divided into three categories - acute intoxication, chronic usage and withdrawal.<br />People who gulp down excessive alcohol experience the following:<br />* Impaired vision<br />* Impaired hearing<br />* Liver infections<br />* Cardiovascular diseases<br />* Diabetic complications</p>.<p class="bodytext">At times, alcohol acts as an anti-depressant for the brain, which induces a momentary high and happiness. In general, alcohol slows down the performance of nerve cells. It does not stimulate the brain; rather it shuts down some of the areas that control our reasoning capabilities, judgement and instincts.<br />When our judgments are impaired, everything takes place slowly, resulting in slow reaction time, impaired vision as well as decreased coordination. The coordination and balance in the brain are handled by the inner ear and cerebellum, which can be affected by alcohol.<br />Alcohol damages the nerves of feet and legs, which is known as peripheral neuropathy. The absence of sensation causes unsteadiness, numbness, pain, burning and tingling sensations.</p>.<p class="byline">Dr Avinash K N<br />(The author is consultant neuro surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital)</p>
<p class="title">Overdose of alcohol is one of the major health problems worldwide. Everything in moderation is always safe, especially in case of alcohol. Binge drinking can be divided into three categories - acute intoxication, chronic usage and withdrawal.<br />People who gulp down excessive alcohol experience the following:<br />* Impaired vision<br />* Impaired hearing<br />* Liver infections<br />* Cardiovascular diseases<br />* Diabetic complications</p>.<p class="bodytext">At times, alcohol acts as an anti-depressant for the brain, which induces a momentary high and happiness. In general, alcohol slows down the performance of nerve cells. It does not stimulate the brain; rather it shuts down some of the areas that control our reasoning capabilities, judgement and instincts.<br />When our judgments are impaired, everything takes place slowly, resulting in slow reaction time, impaired vision as well as decreased coordination. The coordination and balance in the brain are handled by the inner ear and cerebellum, which can be affected by alcohol.<br />Alcohol damages the nerves of feet and legs, which is known as peripheral neuropathy. The absence of sensation causes unsteadiness, numbness, pain, burning and tingling sensations.</p>.<p class="byline">Dr Avinash K N<br />(The author is consultant neuro surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital)</p>
