Small Fiber Neuropathy

Small fibers are the tiny nerve fibers that lie under the skin surface and help us to feel the sense of temperature, pain, discomfort, etc. The term neuropathy means damage to the nerves. Small fiber neuropathy is a disease that affects part of this peripheral nervous system. Due to the nerve damage, the temperature sensitivity of the body decreases. This loss of sensation is mostly felt in the hands and feet, particularly in the fingers and toes.

Causes

There are several health conditions that causes damage to these nerves. It is most commonly found in people who are suffering from diabetes. Rise in blood sugar level in the body has a damaging effects on the nerve fibers of the body. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy and its effects are more prominent in the nerves located in the hands and feet. Almost 50 per cent of the diabetic patients are found to have small fiber neuropathy. Autoimmune disease and chronic illnesses like HIV and AIDS can also be held responsible for this problem. They attack the immune system which in turn have a negative impact on the nervous system. Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking restricts proper supply of oxygen to the nerves and leads to damage. These nerves can sustain injury due to some trauma or surgery as well.

Symptoms

As we have already discussed above that one of the key symptoms of small fiber neuropathy is inability to respond to heat or cold. Lack of sensation in the feet and toes can cause sudden loss of body balance while walking or standing. These patients cannot feel the pain but they experience a stabbing or burning sensation on various parts of the body such as arms, legs, face head, etc. This feeling get stronger when the skin comes in contact with the clothing. For this reason, some people find it difficult to wear shoes and socks. This kind of pain is often accompanied by numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. It often causes weakness in the muscles of the body. Weakening of the muscles in the bladder leads to urinary incontinence. Other symptoms are low blood pressure, dizziness, excessive sweating, difficulty in digestion, etc.

Treatment

Diabetic patients are advised to keep the blood sugar levels low with diet and medicines. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be stopped completely to reduce the symptoms. To provide relief from the burning pain sensation, anti-inflammatory medicines, narcotic pain relievers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants are prescribed. These medicines are used in various combination to achieve best results. However, the dosage of these medicines should be kept low as they have side effects like drowsiness and confusion. In some cases, the immune system is strengthened with the help of a special technique known as Intravenous immunoglobulin (or IVIG). Acupuncture is an alternative method of treatment used effectively to control the symptoms of small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Physical therapy is highly beneficial for those who have weak muscles.

Small fiber neuropathy can be prevented if you lead a healthy lifestyle which includes a proper diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. As diabetes patients are more prone to develop this problem, they must take extra care to control the blood sugar levels in the blood. Intake of alcohol should be limited to avoid alcohol neuropathy. People suffering from autoimmune disease must take advice from their doctor to reduce the chances of this disease.