First-Time National Poll Confirms Neuropathy Hits Millions in T...( Data shows 82% of patients have neuro...),Health

Data shows 82% of patients have neuropathy onset during their 30s-60s

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new national Neuropathy Association poll of peripheral neuropathy patients finds that the majority of respondents had their neurological disease begin during their prime adult years, with 82% experiencing neuropathy's onset between the ages of 30-69. "Peripheral neuropathy does not discriminate: it affects all ages, all types of people," observes Tina Tockarshewsky, president and CEO of The Neuropathy Association. "However, our survey shows neuropathy strikes most patients in the prime of their lives, when they are building their families, careers, and futures."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090513/DC16515)

"With the potential for millions of active adults to suffer from progressive chronic pain and possible disability, we are leaving the U.S. unprepared to face a major public health crisis if healthcare providers, the media and public policy officials continue to ignore the inadequacy of medical resources and research funding for neuropathy. Neuropathy is taking an immeasurable toll on Americans' quality of life and generating extreme social and medical cost burdens," adds Tockarshewsky.

For nearly 15 years, The Neuropathy Association has been an active national patient advocacy organization working to change misconceptions about this progressive, chronic neurological disease. May 11-15 marks the fifth annual National Neuropathy Week, an event launched by The Neuropathy Association to raise awareness about neuropathy and its warning signs.

Peripheral neuropathy, or "nerve damage," impacts over 20 million Americans, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the
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