concluded Saudi MoH Neuropathic Pain Summit. Saudi Gazette The Ministry of Health organized a medical conference that ended Tuesday to discuss the best preventive and treatment options for those suffering from neuropathy due to its pressing urgency in the Kingdom. An epidemiological study found that 60% of diabetic patients in the Kingdom reported pain from neuropathic disorders, a fairly higher rate than in other Middle Eastern and Western countries. In other Middle Eastern countries the average incidence of painful diabetic neuropathy is around 55% while the incidence in Western countries is around 37.25%. The main purpose of the medical conference was to improve the quality of pain management in the Kingdom, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and the Saudi Pain Society and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company. Experts, pharmacists, and consultants in neurological disorders participated to share the newest advances in the treatment of neuropathy. The head of the Department of Non Communicable Diseases in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mohammad Saeedi, participated in the conference and said, “The main focus of this conference was the pain that results from neuropathy.” The pain is sometimes described by the patient as a tingling feeling in hands and feet or a burning sensation or pins and needles feeling or it can be sharp pain, as an electric shock. Pain is worsened when skin is in contact with harsh clothing or bed covers. “It is extremely important to accurately diagnose neuropathy so the patient's pain can be alleviated with the correct treatment.” Neuropathy is a pattern of nerve damage that can affect many nerve cells in different parts of the body. In addition to the pain, other symptoms may develop such as impaired balance, dizziness, difficulty controlling urination, vision problems, and speech impairment. The president of the Saudi Pain Society, Dr. Abdullah Al-Kaki, explained that the foremost challenge the patient with neuropathy faces is incorrect diagnosis. “Due to the wide range of symptoms and pain, the condition is mistakenly diagnosed as other disorders or a general malaise. Regular pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis and rheumatic disorders do not provide much relief, and the patient will continue to suffer.” Since the pain is caused by deterioration in nerve cells, the effective medications are entirely different from the common pain killers. Anyone experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms should consult a specialist in neurological disorders who will provide the correct treatment,” said Dr. Al
