What symptoms may occur in the middle to late stages of alcoholic encephalopathy?

In general, advanced alcoholic encephalopathy may present symptoms such as dizziness, headache, memory impairment, unsteady gait, loss of appetite, and facial pain. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dizziness: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can damage the central nervous system, including areas such as the brainstem and cerebellum. These damages can impair balance and coordination, leading to dizziness.

2. Headache: Alcohol intake can cause dehydration, blood concentration, and changes in chemical substances in the bloodstream, which may trigger headaches.

3. Memory impairment: Alcohol disrupts the normal function and connectivity of neurons in the brain, particularly affecting the hippocampus—a region associated with memory and learning. In late-stage alcoholic encephalopathy, memory deficits become more pronounced, involving both short-term and long-term memory.

4. Unsteady gait: Alcohol negatively affects the neuromuscular control system, including balance and coordination. This may result in symptoms such as walking instability, uncoordinated gait, and loss of balance in individuals with alcohol intoxication.

5. Loss of appetite: Severe alcohol intoxication may lead to anorexia and malnutrition. Alcohol impairs normal gastrointestinal function, reduces appetite, and may cause digestive issues, resulting in difficulty eating and inadequate nutrient intake.

6. Facial pain: Chronic heavy drinking can induce neuritis and neuropathy, potentially involving damage to the facial nerves. Facial pain may arise from abnormal signals transmitted by damaged nerves.

If alcoholic encephalopathy occurs, it is recommended to use medications such as diazepam tablets or naloxone hydrochloride injection under medical supervision, along with maintaining adequate sleep.