Diabetic neuropathy causes severe disability, with pain, loss of sensation and weakness. The current project will assess the utility of a new testing method, known as nerve excitability assessment, as a method of detecting early changes in nerve function in diabetic patients. If this technique proves useful in detecting early nerve damage, it will assist in the development of therapeutic and preventative treatments for neuropathy in diabetic patients.
Nerve Excitability Assessment: A Novel Biomarker For The Early Detection Of Diabetic Neuropathy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,203.00
Summary
Australia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. Diabetes may be complicated by the development of nerve damage, causing weakness and pain in the upper and lower limbs. The cause remains unclear and there are no tools available for its early detection. This study will provide further information about the cause of diabetic neuropathy and will investigate more sophisticated means for its early detection.
Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy In The Pediatric Population: Risk Factors, Assessment Strategies And Functional Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,766.00
Summary
Chemotherapy, commonly used for treatment of childhood cancer, can cause peripheral nerve injury with disabling symptoms which may be long lasting. This project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the nerve injury and standardize sensitive ways of measuring nerve function. This is the first study that will follow children throughout their treatment cycle with regular nerve assessments, providing a greater understanding of nerve injury mechanisms and enabling treatment modification.