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Low awareness of peripheral neuropathy may be leaving many older Filipinos with undiagnosed nerve damage, according to a health expert who warns that delayed diagnosis can affect mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by nerve damage is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system which controls all functions of our body, sensation in our hands, and movements of our muscles. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, prickling, and stabbing or burning pain, mostly in the feet and hands.
Yet up to 80% of cases may go undiagnosed — a gap in awareness that can lead to a staggering 5-year delay in the diagnosis and treatment of PN.[1] Many people live with discomfort for years before seeking help, believing it’s a natural part of aging, unaware that they may already be living with nerve damage.
The gap in awareness is exactly what clinicians are seeing firsthand. Dr. Elaine Cheeay Cunanan, Consultant Internist and Endocrinologist at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, said many people may be living with nerve damage without realizing it.
“Some of the early signs of nerve damage in the elderly can be subtle, such as frequently closing fists, stretching arms, or massaging hands. Many people are not aware that these symptoms may be linked to peripheral neuropathy, as the disease often develops slowly—starting with mild symptoms, almost silently, over long periods of time[2],” explains Dr. Cunanan.
“As it progresses, it can begin to affect mobility, balance[3], and even simple daily activities[4] like cooking, climbing stairs, or driving. People may also experience sleep disturbances or notice unrecognized injuries, all due to advancing nerve damage. Left unaddressed, nerve damage can reach a stage where recovery becomes difficult. However, when identified early, it can be effectively managed, and quality of life can be significantly improved,” Dr. Cunanan adds.
As part of efforts to strengthen awareness of peripheral neuropathy, Vitamins B1+B6+B12 (Neurobion) launched its “Caring for the Hands that Care” campaign to encourage families to recognize early signs of nerve damage among aging loved ones and seek timely medical consultation.
Families are encouraged to start the conversation early, asking older loved ones about numbness, tingling, or hand discomfort, and to seek medical consultation if these symptoms are present. Additionally, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Early diagnosis, experts emphasize, can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
ASC Reference Code: P0258P072326N
