Earlier diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in primary care: A call to action
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2024
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) often remains undiagnosed (similar to 80%). Earlier diagnosis of PN may reduce morbidity and enable earlier risk factor reduction to limit disease progression. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common PN and the 10 g monofilament is endorsed as an inexpensive and easily performed test for DPN. However, it only detects patients with advanced neuropathy at high risk of foot ulceration. There are many validated questionnaires to diagnose PN, but they can be time-consuming and have complex scoring systems. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have busy clinics and lack access to a readily available screening method to diagnose PN. They would prefer a short, simple, and accurate tool to screen for PN. Involving the patient in the screening process would not only reduce the time a physician requires to make a diagnosis but would also empower the patient. Following an expert meeting of diabetologists and neurologists from the Middle East, South East Asia and Latin America, a consensus was formulated to help improve the diagnosis of PN in primary care using a simple tool for patients to screen themselves for PN followed by a consultation with the physician to confirm the diagnosis.
Keywords
early-diagnosis, peripheral neuropathy, primary care
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Procter & Gamble,PG Health
Publication Title
Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System
Volume
29
Issue
1
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA