Small Fibre Neuropathy

Causes of Small Fibre Neuropathy: Here’s What We Should Know

About

It occurs when small fibres of the peripheral nervous system are damaged. The fibres are present in the skin, peripheral nerves and organs.

Research suggests that 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy.

- Not self-treatable
- Not self-diagnosable
- Lab tests or imaging are required

Small fibre neuropathy has many causes such as Psoriasis, Sarcoidosis and Scleroderma, Vasculitis and Rheumatoid arthritis, Infectious diseases and hepatitis C and many more mentioned below.

Risk factors: Diabetes
Ages affected: for people above 65 years of age
Common in: Men

Causes

The primary condition causing Small fibre neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes are:
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome
- Hereditary diseases and HIV
- Hereditary amyloidosis and hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy
- Tangier disease and immune system disorders
- Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
- Mixed connective tissue disease

Symptoms

Self-diagnosable:
Pain, burning or tingling and loss of sensation

People might experience: Foot pain while wearing socks or touching bedsheets.

Also common: Constipation, dizziness, difficulty in sweating, dry eyes, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction and skin discoloration

Treatment

Self-care:
Small fibre neuropathy caused due to diabetes requires controlling the level of blood glucose and maintaining a healthy weight.

Medicines:
Pain-related symptoms are treated with medicines which include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids and topical pain creams.

Specialists:
For further concerns, contact a doctor or a physician. At mfine, you will receive a holistic treatment plan for optimum health.