Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves. It can lead to a cascade of symptoms that can affect one’s physiological and mental well-being. A clinical research that suggests an intriguing option to address the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its underlying cause.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy is highly individualized. Healthcare teams will come up a proper treatment plan based on the underlying cause of one’s peripheral neuropathy.
Additionally, medications such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed to manage pain. Furthermore, physical and occupational therapy can be useful to improve strength and coordination as well as assist in adapting daily activities to minimize discomfort.
| Click here to find out more about peripheral neuropathy. |
CERTAIN B VITAMINS CAN HELP?
A team of investigators from Indonesia investigated the effectiveness and safety of a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 in treating mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy in an Indonesian population.
What They Did
The researchers conducted a 12-week, prospective, open-label, multi-center observational study involving 411 participants between 18 and 65 that had been diagnosed with mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy from various causes.
These participants were given a fixed dose of the vitamin combination (100 mg of B1, 100 mg of B6, and 5000 mcg of B12) once daily. They were then monitored through regular visits, where their symptoms were assessed using the Total Symptom Score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain.
What the Investigators Found
- The results showed significant improvements in the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
- The Total Symptom Score decreased from an average of 5.45 at the beginning of the study to 2.02 by the end, indicating a 62.9% reduction in symptoms.
- Additionally, the VAS scores for individual symptoms like numbness and burning pain also showed substantial reductions, confirming the treatment’s effectiveness.
What the Investigators Conclude
- The study found that the fixed-dose combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 was both effective and well-tolerated in patients with mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy.
- They believed that this treatment can potentially improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition, making it a viable option for managing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
| This article is part of our series on issues that affect our nerves and other components of our nervous system such as our brain and spinal cord. |
Reference: Hakim, M., Kurniani, N., Pinzon, R. T., Tugasworo, D., Basuki, M., Haddani, H., Pambudi, P., Fithrie, A., & Wuysang, A. D. (2018). Management of peripheral neuropathy symptoms with a fixed dose combination of high-dose vitamin B1, B6 and B12: A 12-week prospective non-interventional study in Indonesia. Asian journal of medical sciences, 9(1), 32–40. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v9i1.18510
