GUNTUR — Medical experts are raising concerns about peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder that now affects roughly one in every hundred people—and strikes one in ten adults over the age of 60. The findings emerged during a specialized conference where doctors stressed the urgency of early detection and modern diagnostic tools.

  • Peripheral neuropathy affects about 1% of the general population
  • Nearly 10% of adults above 60 are impacted
  • Diabetes is associated with roughly half of all cases

New Diagnostic Frontiers

At the Lalitha CME Series on ‘Advances in Peripheral Neuropathy’, Dr. Satish Khadilkar of Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, detailed newer nerve disorders known as nodopathies and paranodopathies. These conditions can cause tremors, unsteady gait, and rapid weakness in all four limbs. He highlighted the role of advanced imaging—like MR Neurography and nerve ultrasound—in visualizing affected nerves and improving diagnosis.

The Diabetes Connection

Dr. P. Vijaya, Managing Director and Head of Neurosciences, pointed out that diabetes is a major driver, linked to about 50% of neuropathy cases. She emphasized that early recognition, thorough evaluation, and timely treatment are critical to managing the condition and preventing progression.

“Diabetic neuropathy prevention requires good glycaemic control, management of cholesterol, obesity and hypertension, and regular exercise,” said Dr. R. Muralidhar Reddy of Hyderabad, who also discussed spinal cord stimulation as a proven neuromodulation therapy.

A Gathering of Minds

The event, organized by the Lalitha PVS Institute of Medical Sciences, drew around 200 doctors, neurologists, and faculty from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Specialists like Dr. Y. Shirisha from NIMS underscored the need for a systematic diagnostic approach, given the condition’s diverse causes. Dr. Madhu Nagappa of NIMHANS addressed infectious neuropathies related to viruses such as COVID-19, Zika, and enterovirus.

The conference was inaugurated by Chairman P.V. Raghava Sarma and hosted by Naren Polavarapu, marking a significant step toward shared knowledge and better patient outcomes in neurology.