Approximately 30 million people in the US are estimated to have some form of peripheral neuropathy, but this figure may be significantly higher as not all people with symptoms are tested for the disease, and tests currently do not look for all forms of neuropathy. More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, but over 20% of those diagnosed have ‘idiopathic’ PN, meaning the cause is unknown.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a common condition among people living with HIV. People’s experiences of neuropathy will differ in terms of intensity and how much it affects their life. This is because pain is experienced differently by each person and influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. These include factors such as genetics, stress, and temperature.
The different causes of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in people living with HIV, and how they cause nerve damage, are not yet fully understood. The risk of neuropathy in people living with HIV appears to increase if they are older, taller, obese, or have had HIV for a long time.
Peripheral neuropathy as a common complication of HIV infection can manifest itself in multiple ways, including:
*Numbness
*Tingling (pins and needles)
*Pain, especially in the hands and feet
*Weakness in the muscles of the hands and feet
*Unusual sensations (paresthesia) and/or
*Burning
We believe that peripheral neuropathies as one of the most common neurological manifestations occurring in people living with HIV needs to be discussed directly with the women of HOCC. To hear more about PN join us on May 13th for a special program about Peripheral Neuropathies presented by Shibani Mukerji, M.D., PhD – MGH Neurology.
If you want to know about the follow up of HOCC’s program and more resource information enter our Website on May 15th @ https://hoccprograms.org/hoccs-faces-and-voices-part-two-the-journey-continues/
