Description
Dr. Cunningham describes the pain of beriberi being similar to frost coming out of frozen toes. As the condition progressed, sufferers lost the sensation in their lower legs and feet.
Transcript
There was a lot of beriberi and pellagra. It affected the extremities - the hands and the feet and very, very painful. You could compare it to if you've had your feet and toes frozen and when the frost is coming out, how painful they are. I know I've seen big strong fellas just holding on to their feet with tears running down their cheeks. The next stage, of course, was numbness and then the pain left but so did the use of the feet. They would drag… their feet would drag when they were walking.
Meta Data
Beriberi
Medium
Video
Owner
Veterans Affairs Canada
War, Conflict or Mission
Second World War
Location/Theatre
Hong Kong
Campaign
Hong Kong
Branch
Army
Units/Ship
Royal Rifles of Canada
Military Rank
Captain
Occupation
Doctor
Recorded
Duration
1:10