Small fiber peripheral neuropathy

Small fiber peripheral neuropathy
Classification and external resources
Specialty	neurology
ICD-10	G63.3 G60.8 G62.8
MeSH	D010523, D011115, D000795
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Small fiber peripheral neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that occurs from damage to the small unmyelinated peripheral nerve fibers. These fibers, categorized as C fibers, are present in skin, peripheral nerves, and organs. The role of these nerves is to innervate the skin (somatic fibers) and help control autonomic function (autonomic fibers). It is estimated that 15-20 million people in the United States suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy.

Sensory symptoms of small fiber neuropathy are highly variable. Common complaints include paresthesias, dysesthesias, and insensitivity to pain. Paresthesias are abnormal sensations. They are often described as numbness, burning, cold, prickling, pins and needles along with other symptoms. Dysesthesias are unpleasant sensations, either spontaneous or evoked. A light breeze, the feeling of clothes, or even a soft touch can cause pain. Insensitivity to pain can be particular problem. One may be bleeding or have a skin injury without even knowing it.

Like many polyneuropathies, the symptoms are length-dependent, starting in the longer nerves and progressively attack shorter nerves. This means that most often the symptoms start in the feet and progress upwards, and usually symptoms are more severe in the feet. Many patients have a widespread, length independent, or "patchy", presentation which is sporadic and can affect many nerves, including the trigeminal nerve or occipital nerve.

Patients with Fabry disease have isolated small fiber engagement, and can have a more widespread small fiber disruption.

The diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy often requires ancillary testing.Nerve conduction studies and electromyography are commonly used to evaluate large myelinated sensory and motor nerve fibers, but are ineffective in diagnosing small fiber neuropathies.

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