AAN new Guideline on best treatments for diabetic nerve pain

The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain, the burning or tingling pain in the hands and feet that affects millions of people with diabetes. The guideline is published in the April 11, 2011, on-line issue of Neurology , the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and were presented this week at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This guideline was developed in collaboration with the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Diabetic nerve pain, or neuropathy, is caused by nerve damage. "When neuropathy strikes, it is painful and can disrupt sleep; because of this it can also lead to mood changes and lower quality of life," said lead guideline author Vera Bril, with the University of Toronto, Canada, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "It is estimated that diabetic nerve pain affects 16 percent of the more than 25 million people living with diabetes in the United States and is often unreported and more often untreated, with an estimated two out of five cases not receiving care," she noted.