The Global Year Against Neuropathic Pain launches today, Monday 20 October 2014.
To download a PDF copy of the locally produced poster and to access the IASP Fact Sheets, visit the Global Year Against Pain page of the APS website.
Below is a press release from the IASP.
Initiative promotes better neuropathic pain management through increased awareness
The Global Year Against Neuropathic Pain launches today, bringing global attention to pain that arises as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. Sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the 15‐month campaign focuses on education for health care professionals and government leaders as well as public awareness.
Neuropathic pain is characterized by unpleasant symptoms, such as shooting or burning pain, numbness, altered sensation, and sensations that are very difficult to describe. Many pains can have neuropathic characteristics, including pain arising from classically “non-neuropathic” conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis or cancer pain.)
Led by IASP’s Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain, the initiative will mobilize IASP’s 8,000+ members and 90 national chapters, and forge partnerships with other organizations, to:
- disseminate information about neuropathic pain worldwide;
- educate pain researchers as well as health care professionals who see the issues associated with neuropathic pain firsthand in their interactions with patients;
- increase awareness of neuropathic pain among government officials, members of the media, and the general public worldwide; and
- encourage government leaders, research institutions, and others to support policies that result in improved pain treatment for people with neuropathic pain.
As part of the Global Year Against neuropathic Pain, IASP offers a series of fact sheets for clinicians and health care professionals that cover specific topics related to neuropathic pain. These fact sheets are translated into multiple languages and available for free download. Also available on the IASP website is a page of resources including links and free posters promoting the Global Year. Throughout the coming year, IASP and its chapters sponsor meetings, symposia, media interviews, publications, and other efforts to promote education on issues surrounding neuropathic pain.
Australian Pain Society 