Clinicians' perspectives on the management of neuropathic pain: A nationwide cross-sectional survey among Indian clinicians
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To assess clinicians' perspectives on the common etiologies, clinical manifestations, precipitating factors, treatment preferences, and perceived outcomes in the management of neuropathic pain, with a particular focus on benfotiamine-based adjunctive nutritional therapy in routine clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among clinicians across India managing neuropathic pain. A structured 23-item questionnaire assessed disease burden, etiologies, symptoms, treatment preferences, benfotiamine-based therapy, diagnostic practices, medication adherence, adverse events, and treatment outcomes. Responses were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and presented in tables and figures. Results: Out of 225 participants, nearly two-thirds (64.44%) identified endocrine dysfunctions as the most common cause of neuropathy encountered in clinical practice. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus was identified as the most common cause of neuropathic pain by 65% of clinicians. Burning sensation was noted as the most common patient-reported symptom by 61.33% of clinicians. More than three-quarters (76.89%) reported diabetes mellitus as the most common factor precipitating peripheral neuropathy exacerbations, while 64% identified numbness and tingling of the feet or hands as the most common clinical manifestation. More than two-thirds (68.44%) of the clinicians preferred antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline) as first-line pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain. The vast majority (91.56%) preferred benfotiamine as the adjunctive agent with vitamin B12 for managing neuropathy. Furthermore, 47% of clinicians rated treatment outcomes as showing marked improvement, while 39% reported moderate improvement on the 5-point Global Improvement Scale. Conclusion: This survey highlights diabetes mellitus and endocrine dysfunctions as the predominant contributors to neuropathic pain. Antidepressants remain the preferred first-line therapy, while benfotiamine with vitamin B12 is the favored adjunctive treatment. Clinicians report favorable clinical outcomes, supporting current management practices and the potential value of benfotiamine-based combination therapy.
Authors: Manjula S, Krishna Kumar M
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204274580