Small Fiber Neuropathy
In this type of neuropathy, the small sensory nerves and autonomic fibers are affected. Symptoms include numbness, burning, and pain, often starting in the feet. Although it can be caused by diabetes, small fiber neuropathy also has been linked to thyroid disease, chemotherapy (due to the toxins introduced into the body), dysfunction of connective tissues, and other causes. It can affect the digestive system, cause fatigue, and trigger chronic pain. Consequently, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. For this reason, researchers are exploring effective screening options such as sensory testing and a skin biopsy using a sample taken from the lower leg in which the nerve fibers in the skin are counted.
53/100,000
people affected worldwide
13-26%
of those with small fiber develop large fiber neuropathy
Diagnostic Test Info
Common diagnostic tests for small fiber neuropathy:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Genetic tests
- Imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- Nerve conduction studies
- Skin biopsy (nerve fiber density tests)
- Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART)
Resource library
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