Pain in the extremities should not be dismissed, especially if there are no wounds or any physical injuries inflicted prior to the symptoms. Numbness, tingling, prickling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet could be a sign of Peripheral Neuropathy, a chronic clinical condition wherein the peripheral nervous system is damaged.
As part of Neuropathy Awareness Week 2023, P&G Health, brought together globally renowned health experts with 6000 Healthcare Professionals from across Asia, India, Middle East, and Africa at the ‘Demystifying Neuropathy Forum’. Hosted out of Mumbai and simulcast to 8 countries, the signature event saw deliberations on the latest clinical guidance and research findings on screening and management of the growing public health concern of Peripheral Neuropathy.
Prof. Rainer Freynhagen, Head of Department, Anaesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine & Pain Medicine at Benedictus Hospitals Tutzing & Feldafing Germany, noted that Peripheral Neuropathy is highly prevalent in the general population. “Doctors around the globe see millions of patients suffering daily from these conditions which are relatively easy to diagnose but challenging to treat, particularly in advanced stages. Around 10% of the general population worldwide is affected by neuropathic pain and 50% of these patients are not sufficiently managed,” he said.
Renowned Neurologist Dr. Satish V Khadilkar who serves as the Professor and Head of Department of Neurology at Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences in Mumbai, India echoed Prof. Freynhagen’s concerns, saying that diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy is an unmet need. More worryingly, if the condition is not treated in the early stages, this can lead to neuropathic pain which can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. “Painful diabetic PN is significantly associated with disruptions in employment status and work productivity. Of working patients, 59% reported being less productive at work,” he said.
However, there are many ways for doctors to proactively diagnose neuropathy. These include easy to perform sensory tests such as vibration perception testing, pin prick test, monofilament test and others which take only a few minutes. Meanwhile, laboratory tests can help refine the diagnoses for the underlying cause.
“1 in 10 people and 1 in 2 diabetics are suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy. Yet many are unaware that early diagnoses can enable successful treatment outcomes, and damaged nerves can be regenerated if nerve damage has not progressed too far. Our ‘Demystifying Neuropathy Forum’ saw a multidisciplinary panel of experts from across the globe and the region come together to share their clinical recommendations on assessment and etiology of Peripheral Neuropathy, and holistic treatment approach including role of B vitamins in supporting healthy nerve functions,” Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, P&G Health, Asia, India, Middle East & Africa said.
