The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain

The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain

I once encountered the rare and tragic circumstance of witnessing a similar phenomenon in the brain of a man who, in a fit of alcoholic frenzy, severed his own head beneath a railway carriage. The impact caused his brain to be expelled from the skull almost instantaneously. Within three minutes of his death, the brain was laid out before me. It emitted a strong scent of alcohol, and its membranes and intricate structures were remarkably vascularized. The appearance was akin to having been freshly infused with vermilion. When incised, the white matter of the cerebrum, dotted with red specks, was barely distinguishable from its natural whiteness; meanwhile, the pia mater, the delicate vascular membrane enveloping the brain, resembled a fine web of coagulated blood, so engorged were its tiny vessels.

This condition was present in both the larger and smaller parts of the brain, specifically the cerebrum and cerebellum, although it was less pronounced in the medulla and the initial segment of the spinal cord.

 

The spinal cord and nerves

 The effects of alcohol extend beyond the initial phase, impacting the functionality of the spinal cord. This segment of the nervous system typically allows us to perform automatic mechanical actions, which can occur seamlessly even when our thoughts are focused elsewhere. For instance, a skilled tradesperson can execute their tasks flawlessly while their mind is engaged in a different topic. Similarly, we all engage in various automatic behaviors without relying on higher cognitive functions, unless an unusual situation arises that necessitates conscious thought before action. However, under the influence of alcohol, the spinal centers are affected, leading to a disruption in these automatic functions. If a hand reaches for an object or a foot is positioned correctly, the involvement of higher intellectual centers becomes essential to ensure the action is executed safely. This is often followed by a noticeable decline in the coordination of muscular movements. The nervous control over specific muscles diminishes, and the nervous impulses become weakened. Typically, the muscles of the lower lip are the first to show signs of impairment, followed by those in the lower limbs, with extensor muscles often failing before flexors. At this stage, the musclesthemselves also exhibit reduced strength; they respond less effectively to nervous stimuli, succumbing to the debilitating effects of the paralyzing substance, resulting in temporary structural derangement and diminished contractile ability.

 

This alteration in the animal's response to alcohol represents the second level of its effects. In younger individuals, it typically results in vomiting accompanied by dizziness, which is subsequently alleviated as the body begins to recover from the toxic substance.

 

 

Effect on the brain centres

The effects of alcoholic spirits extend to a deeper level, impacting the brain's centers. Their functionality diminishes, leading to a loss of willpower and sound judgment. As these centers become destabilized and chaotic, the rational aspects of human nature yield to the emotional, passionate, or instinctual elements. Reason is rendered ineffective or distracted, exposing the raw animal instincts and sentiments. Cowardice becomes pronounced, boasting intensifies, cruelty escalates, deceit becomes more blatant, and base desires are amplified. The phrase 'in vino veritas' aptly captures this physiological reality, illustrating a state where reason, emotions, and instincts are all in disarray and weakened.

 

As the effects of alcohol persist, the higher brain functions become overwhelmed; perception is dulled, voluntary muscle control is diminished, and sensitivity is lost, leaving the body in a state of near immobility, with only a fraction of its vitality remaining. The heart, however, continues to fulfill its role; as long as it beats, it sustains the respiratory function. Consequently, the processes of circulation and respiration maintain the body in a fragile state of life until the toxins begin to dissipate and the nervous system regains its function. It is fortunate for the intoxicated individual that typically, the brain succumbs to the effects of alcohol well before the heart, preventing it from fully engaging in the destructive cycle that could lead to the cessation of circulation. Thus, they survive to face another day.