How to Detect and Treat Peripheral Neuropathy, a Common but Often Overlooked Condition

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.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a chronic clinical condition, wherein the peripheral nervous system is damaged. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. Sufferers of PN report impacts on their quality of life including reduced physical abilities and poor sleep. Besides diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol misuse, and B vitamins deficiencies are other high-risk factors leading to peripheral nerve damage.

The Urgent Need for Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice-President of P&G Health, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 1 in 10 individuals and a staggering 1 in 2 diabetics suffer from this condition. However, many remain unaware that early diagnosis can lead to successful treatment outcomes. Agrawal emphasized that nerve damage can be regenerated if it has not progressed too far. P&G Health, with its longstanding commitment to nerve health, aims to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Prof. Rainer Freynhagen, an expert in anesthesia, critical care medicine, and pain medicine, emphasized the high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain worldwide. Despite being relatively easy to diagnose, effective treatment, particularly in advanced stages, remains challenging. Shockingly, published studies have shown that up to 80% of patients with peripheral neuropathy remain undiagnosed and untreated. Freynhagen stressed the importance of educating physicians to recognize the symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy, given its significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Satish V Khadilkar, a renowned neurologist, highlighted the consequences of undiagnosed peripheral neuropathy. When left untreated, it often progresses into neuropathic pain, leading to various comorbidities that significantly impact patients’ daily lives, social interactions, and work productivity. The economic burden on patients increases due to the need for additional treatment for conditions such as depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.

Dr. Ankia Coetzee, an endocrinologist, stressed the vital role of primary care physicians in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy. Since patients may struggle to articulate their symptoms accurately, proactive probing for characteristic signs such as numbness, tingling, and pins and needles can be a crucial starting point. Quick sensory tests like vibration perception testing and pinprick tests, along with laboratory tests, can aid in diagnosis and further refine the treatment approach.

5-Steps of Diagnoses

The Role of B Vitamins in Nerve Health

Dr. Inna Eiberger, Global Medical Director of P&G Health’s Nerve Care Franchise, highlighted the importance of neurotropic B vitamins in supporting nerve health and regeneration. Vitamin B1 provides energy to the nerves, vitamin B6 aids in signal transmission, and vitamin B12 supports nerve regeneration. In-vitro studies conducted by P&G Health demonstrated that the addition of these vitamins to healthy nerve cell cultures led to significant increases in neurite length and cell body area. Furthermore, the studies confirmed that these vitamins support nerve cell recovery after damage.

Promoting Awareness and Environmental Sustainability

As part of Neuropathy Awareness Week 2023, P&G Health announced its collaboration with EcoMatcher, a social enterprise focused on environmental sustainability. To commemorate the efforts of healthcare professionals, medical associations, and health authorities in researching, raising awareness, and managing peripheral neuropathy, P&G Health pledged to plant a ‘Global Forest of Care’ consisting of 2,000 trees across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.