Leprosy Training Module for Medical Officers

The two most important measures for preventing Nerve Damage in
Leprosy patients :
• Early case detection
• Starting of appropriate Multi Drug Therapy ( MDT ) without delay
However, in a good proportion of cases, by the time the condition is
recognised as Leprosy, the extent of nerve damage has already
progressed to such levels as to cause clinical symptoms and signs. It is
important to understand that it is not too late even then, for, in many
cases, the damaged nerve can recover or with proper management of
condition, nerve damage can be prevented from becoming permanent.
Now, after integration, the responsibility of to provide treatment to
Leprosy patients lies with general health services. It is essential that
personnel from general health services should have clear guidelines so
as to prevent nerve damages and occurrence of deformities and
disabilities.
There are two types of disabilities in Leprosy :
1. Primary – These disabilities occur as a direct result of a nerve
damage.
E.g. loss of sensation , claw hand etc.
2. Secondary – These occur as a result of neglected primary
disabilities.
Non healing planter ulcer , contractures etc.
E.g.
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