Gopalan syndrome (burning feet syndrome; nutritional melalgia syndrome)

General: Female preponderance; onset age 20 to 40 years; pantothenic acid deficiency; lack of nicotinic acid, and low-protein diet are contributory factors; found in malnourished populations, detainees in prison camps, and chronic alcoholics.

Ocular: Decreased vision; central or paracentral scotomata.

Clinical: Hyperalgesia; hyperesthesia; severe burning of palms and soles (more pronounced at night); excessive sweating; circulatory insufficiency; tachycardia; muscle atrophy.

Gopalan G. Abstract from Indian Medical Gazette, Calcutta, 1946; 81:22. The 'burning feet' syndrome. J Am Med Assoc 1946; 131:1177.

Vernon S. Nutritional melalgia: a deficiency vascular disease. J Am Med Assoc 1950; 143:799.