“Peripheral Neuropathy: Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment | Neuropathy Awareness Week 2023”

Mumbai: One in 10 people and 1 in 2 people with diabetes have Peripheral Neuropathy. But many do not realize that early diagnosis can produce maximum treatment results, and nerve damage can be repaired if the nerve damage is not too severe.

Peripheral neuropathy (NP) is a chronic clinical condition in which the peripheral nervous system is damaged. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, prickling sensations, and burning in the hands and feet.

People with peripheral neuropathy report how it impacts their quality of life, including decreased physical abilities and also sleep disturbances. Besides diabetes mellitus, obesity, and alcohol abuse, vitamin B deficiency is another high risk factor for causing damage to the peripheral nerves.

“As part of the Neuropathy Awareness Week 2023 Initiative, the Demystifying Neuropathy Forum, we engaged a multidisciplinary panel of experts from around the world and the region to share their clinical recommendations on the assessment and etiology of Peripheral Neuropathy, as well as holistic treatment approaches including the role of B vitamins in supporting healthy nerve function. healthy,” said Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice President, Asia, India, Middle East & Africa, P&G Health.

The event, which was held in Mumbai and broadcast to eight countries, featured a discussion of the latest clinical guidelines and research findings on screening and the increasing public health issue related to Peripheral Neuropathy.

Speaking in the forum, Prof. Rainer Freynhagen, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine at Benedictus Tutzing & Feldafing Hospital Germany, stated, Peripheral neuropathy and pain with a neuropathic component are very common in the population. Doctors worldwide see millions of patients suffering from these conditions, which are relatively easy to diagnose but difficult to treat, especially in the advanced stages.

“About 10% of people worldwide have neuropathic pain and 50% of these patients are not receiving treatment well enough. Identifying patients with Peripheral Neuropathy is not difficult, but studies currently published in various countries show that up to 80% of patients remain undiagnosed and untreated,” said Prof. Rainer.

Furthermore, Prof. Rainer also says that many people may report their pain only after it becomes unbearable. However, according to him, what is more important is the fact that of the total number of doctors, less than a third have the confidence to know the symptoms and signs of Peripheral Neuropathy correctly.

“For me, it is very worrying that for many doctors, neuropathic pain often has a low importance compared to other symptoms experienced by patients, even though it is one of the most aggravating problems and has a tremendous impact on the quality of life of our patients,” explained Prof. Rainer.
(FIR)