Small fiber neuropathy is a chronic condition that affects the small nerve fibers in the body, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and nausea. It is often associated with fibromyalgia and can be caused by various factors, including genetic diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic problems.
The condition is characterized by damage to the small nerve fibers, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
* Chronic pain that can be progressive and debilitating
* Fatigue and weakness
* Nausea and dizziness
* Tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the extremities
* Autonomic dysfunction, such as changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy can be challenging, but a skin biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Treatment options include medication, such as antiepileptic and antidepressant medications, as well as pain management therapies.
It's worth noting that small fiber neuropathy is a relatively unknown condition, even among doctors, so patients may need to advocate for themselves and seek out specialists who are knowledgeable about the condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of small fiber neuropathy can improve over time.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Small fiber neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body.
2. It can cause strange sensations in the periphery of the feet, legs, arms, and hands.
3. The condition is chronic and can become more pronounced over time.
4. Up to 40% of people with fibromyalgia syndrome also have small fiber neuropathy.
5. There are three types of fibers affected by small fiber neuropathy: A-delta fibers, C fibers, and autonomic fibers.
6. A-delta fibers have a layer of myelin, while C fibers do not.
7. Autonomic fibers control involuntary functions such as blood pressure and sweating.
8. Symptoms of small fiber neuropathy include chronic pain, fatigue, nausea, tachycardia, palpitations, dizziness, and changes in bowel function.
9. The condition can cause neuropathic pain, which originates in the nervous system.
10. Neuropathic pain can be symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body, and can be accompanied by tingling, numbness, and burning sensations.
11. A skin biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing small fiber neuropathy.
12. The skin biopsy involves counting the number of fine fiber nerve endings in the skin.
13. A normal person has a certain number of nerve endings in their skin, while a person with small fiber neuropathy will have a reduced number.
14. Some genetic diseases, such as Fabry's disease and systemic amyloidosis, can cause small fiber neuropathy.
15. Treatment for small fiber neuropathy depends on the underlying cause, but may include antiepileptic and antidepressant medications.
16. Opiates can be used to treat pain, but are not recommended due to the risk of addiction and side effects.
17. Fine fiber neuropathy can be treated by a clinical neurologist or a rheumatologist.
18. The condition can be improved with treatment, and the density of fine fibers in the skin can return to normal over time.