Which type of nerve palsies is most commonly seen in alcoholic patients?

The most common type of nerve palsy seen in alcoholic patients is radial nerve palsy. This condition can occur due to several factors associated with alcoholism, including nutritional deficiencies (particularly Vitamin B12 and thiamine), which can weaken peripheral nerves. Moreover, individuals who are intoxicated are more prone to injuries that can result in radial nerve compression or damage, such as falling asleep with an arm in an awkward position or direct trauma.

Radial nerve palsy specifically results in an inability to extend the wrist and fingers, leading to a characteristic "wrist drop." This particular presentation is often linked to the lifestyle of individuals with chronic alcohol use, where falls and accidents are more prevalent, contributing to the prevalence of this type of nerve injury in those populations.

The other types of nerve palsies listed, such as ulnar, median, and fibular, can occur in various conditions but are not as frequently associated with alcoholism as radial nerve palsy.