IN the UK alone, an estimated 7.8 million people have their lives blighted by chronic pain, and 44 per cent are failing to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Now, a University of Huddersfield scientist, backed by funding from the British Pain Society and crucial support from the National Institute of Health Research, is embarking on research which aims to help doctors diagnose and treat one of the least understood but most widespread sources of chronic suffering.
Dr Patrick McHugh will use blood plasma samples from hundreds of patients in the UK and Ireland in order to learn more about chronic neuropathic pain. Caused by faulty signals from the nervous system, it takes many forms and affects an estimated seven out of every 100 people. An ageing population and rising rates in diseases such as diabetes and cancer are exacerbating the problem.
Dr McHugh has now been awarded the prestigious Clulow Award, bestowed once every two years by the British Pain Society. It will enable him to build on his existing research in the field and identify "biomarkers" which indicate when chronic neuropathicpainis present. New treatments could then be developed.
Currently, there are no specific drugs for the condition. "But if a doctor or clinician can determine what type of pain is present, they might be able to manage it better," said Dr McHugh.