Small Fiber Neuropathy Causes

As the name suggests, the condition of small fiber neuropathy, when it strikes, mainly affects the small nerves in the skin. To be more specific, it is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, that results in different sensory changes and autonomic dysfunction. Unfortunately, no cure exists for this kind of ailment. All the affected person can do is to follow the required course of treatment in order to lessen the damage caused by it.

Causes

Causes of small fiber neuropathy have been linked to different medical conditions. And one of them is diabetes. As blood sugar levels rises, it hampers the process of normal circulation. And this may hinder the supply of enough oxygen to the nerves, causing what is known as diabetic neuropathy. Its first manifestation shows up in the feet, and if left untreated, spreads to other parts of the body.

Then comes another common cause - HIV/AIDS. Due to obvious reasons, this disease affects the immune system. This in turn, starts affecting different processes in the body, including the nervous system thus, resulting in such a disorder.

There are certain autoimmune disorders of the body which are also listed among the offenders. As the name suggests, these diseases tend to miss out the difference between pathogens, and healthy cells and tissues in the body, causing an attack on the later elements. So one of the repercussions of such conditions is seen on the nervous system.

Apart from all these medical conditions, other factors such as alcoholism and medications may also cause the problem of small fiber neuropathy. Prolonged alcoholism is known to give rise to tingling, burning sensations and even numbness in the body, and all these are the manifestations of some disorder of the nervous system, like this one which we are discussing on.

Important Symptoms

Most often, the symptoms begin in the digits. The damage that the condition causes starts showing up at the end of the extremities. In these areas, the affected person may experience tingling sensations, accompanied by a numbness. This numbness may stop the person from getting the sensation of hot or cold. In severe cases, the sufferer may not even feel any pain from cuts or bruises on his fingers or toes. With time, all these symptoms aggravate causing the person to lose the sensation of anything that he/she touches.

Other classic symptoms which indicate small fiber neuropathy are weakness in body muscles. This weakness may be to such an extent that the patient may not be able to lift ordinary objects or even go for short walks, without taking rest for a while. Lightheadedness, fainting, urinary incontinence and even erectile dysfunction are the other symptoms which may arise.

It is also common to experience a stabbing or a burning pain in the arms, legs, back, head and face. Even wearing socks or shoes may cause intense pain in some people. Excessive perspiration, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss, and brittle nails are the other symptoms which can be noticed too.

Treatment

The treatment of this condition is basically cause-specific. Meaning, the treatment targets the underlying causes. The treatment also sees to it that the symptoms improve and are reduced in their severity. For instance, those suffering from diabetes, are recommended to follow a diet that is dedicated to their condition. Doing this does help in coping with the condition. Same goes with alcohol addicts. They are advised to shun drinking completely, if they wish to improve their quality of life and have less of all such symptoms described above.

It is unfortunate to know small fiber neuropathy is incurable. However, if you follow the medical recommendations religiously, and inculcate a healthy diet and regular exercises in your daily schedule, then it would be no less than a cure, if there was any.