AmeriPharma’s premier pharmacy services are available in multiple states throughout the US.
Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 10:00PM Sat - Sun: Closed

Related Posts

Welcome to Infusion Center

Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms

Home  /  Other Health Conditions   /  Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms
Small fiber neuropathy symptoms

The neuropathy of small fibers is a type of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathies are conditions that influence the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves that are located outside of the brain and the spinal cord. The small nerve fibers of the peripheral nervous system are affected by the condition known as small fiber neuropathy (SFN).

 

Can IVIG help? | Free IVIG Treatment Info

 

Small fiber neuropathy occurs when small myelinated (Aδ) nerve fibers and small unmyelinated C fibers are damaged. These fibers are involved in sensory functions that play a role in pain and temperature. They are also involved in involuntary processes in the body. Frequently, small fiber neuropathy occurs idiopathically (where the cause is unknown). However, patients with many underlying ailments can suffer from small fiber neuropathy as well. The most common symptoms include reduced distal temperature and vibration sensitivity in certain people, as well as reduced distal pinprick sensitivity. 

According to studies, a common clinical feature of SFN includes patients who report experiencing electric shock-like pain. Patients also report burning and tingling sensations, and a feeling of pins and needles. These symptoms frequently begin in the feet and move upwards. They could become worse over time.

Patients that suffer from diabetes experience a stocking-glove symmetric pain that starts at the patient’s feet and gradually progresses up to the hands. SFN can also manifest in an asymmetrical pattern affecting that patient’s scalp, proximal limbs, and face as well. The severity of symptoms increases throughout the day. Patients usually experience the worst pain during the night.

 

Symptoms

Small fiber neuropathy symptoms vary from patient to patient. External stimuli can trigger certain sensory symptoms. Some individuals may experience foot pain when wearing socks or when touching bedsheets. The most common symptom is pain. Other symptoms include the following sensations:

  • Prickling, burning, or tingling sensation (paresthesia)
  • Loss of sensation
  • Short bursts of pain
  • Numbness in the lower stomach, legs, or feet
  • Hypersensitivity to temperature and touch

The early symptoms of the disease are usually mild, but over time, symptoms progress and worsen. Small fiber neuropathy typically begins at the feet and progresses upward. As mentioned earlier, this distribution is known as “stocking-and-glove.” In the later stages of this condition, the hands may be affected.

 

Get IVIG Copay Assistance – Speak to a Specialist

 

Foot and hand pain is the most common early sign of small fiber neuropathy. However, this condition can also impair the body’s ability to feel localized pain and detect temperature.

As the disease progresses, people may experience symptoms in their knees, legs, and arms.

In some instances, small fiber neuropathy interferes with autonomic functions. The body’s autonomic functions include the regulation of digestion, blood pressure, and urinary function.

When autonomic nerve fibers are damaged, the following symptoms may manifest:

  • Constipation
  • Infrequent or excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Extremely low blood pressure that could lead to fainting
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  • Incontinence (bladder control issues)
  • Skin discoloration
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat

Small fiber neuropathy symptoms can range from mild to severe. People frequently experience mild symptoms that may go unnoticed in the early stages. Typically, symptoms worsen over time and spread to other areas of the body.

 

Contact Us

By submitting, you agree to AmeriPharma’s Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and Notice of Privacy Practice

 

REFERENCES:

  1. Brouwer BA, de Greef BT, Hoeijmakers JG, Geerts M, van Kleef M, Merkies IS, Faber CG. Neuropathic Pain due to Small Fiber Neuropathy in Aging: Current Management and Future Prospects. Drugs Aging. 2015 Aug;32(8):611-21. doi: 10.1007/s40266-015-0283-8. PMID: 26239827; PMCID: PMC4548010.
  2. Casellini CM, Parson HK, Richardson MS, Nevoret ML, Vinik AI. Sudoscan, a noninvasive tool for detecting diabetic small fiber neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2013 Nov;15(11):948-53. doi: 10.1089/dia.2013.0129. Epub 2013 Jul 27. PMID: 23889506; PMCID: PMC3817891.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

AmeriPharma Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma Specialty Care.

This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma Specialty Care.