Network Raises Awareness About Nerve Pain

Members of the Neuropathic Pain Network (NPN) recentlyconvened to discuss ways to help individuals with neuropathic(nerve) pain?an often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition.Neuropathic pain is described as a burning, tingling,and/or shock-like sensation. The pain is a result of an injury ordisease of the nervous system that can be difficult to manage.In some cases, the pain can be so extreme that some patientsfind even the touch of clothing on skin triggers an unbearableburning pain.

"The mission of the NPN is to actively support people withneuropathic pain, by enabling them to better cope with theirpain, to obtain the best treatment and, ultimately, to improve thequality of their lives," said Harry Kletzko, chair of the NPN andvice president of the German Pain League. "The NPN will provideimportant public education about the signs and symptomsof neuropathic pain as well as identify measures to combat thisdevastating condition."

The NPN, comprised of 7 organizations, was launched inMay 2004. The group was formed to address the lack of publicinformation available to individuals with neuropathic pain. Plansare currently under way to introduce a Web site dedicated toindividuals with the condition.