Leprosy: impairment records

Leprosy: clinical examination - impairment records In this picture a health worker is reviewing a patient's case notes. Careful testing and recording of hand and foot sensation is made at initial examination and then on subsequent visits. Loss of sensation found on the first examination indicates that nerve damage is present. If the sensory loss is recent, it will need treatment with steroids. Patients are regularly monitored during and after treatment to detect any new sensory loss which would again indicate the presence of an active neuritis. Health education is also important so that patients can avoid damage to their anaesthetic hands and feet.