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[Small fiber dysfunction in peripheral neuropathies]
S Santiago1, M L Espinosa, M C Pérez-Conde
1Laboratorio de SNA, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, España.
Revista De Neurologia
|March 14, 2000
Summary
Small-fiber neuropathy involves damage to thin myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers, causing sensory and autonomic symptoms. Increased diagnostic techniques improve recognition of this condition in various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
- Autonomic Nervous System
Context:
- Small-fiber neuropathy can manifest as isolated or concurrent lesions with large-myelinated fibers.
- It presents with distinct autonomic and sensory deficits, notably thermo-algesic impairments.
Purpose:
- To explore the diagnostic significance and clinical manifestations of small-fiber neuropathy.
- To highlight the role of small-fiber dysfunction in various neurological and systemic diseases.
Summary:
- Small-fiber neuropathy affects thin myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers, leading to sensory and autonomic symptoms.
- It is observed in acute conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic idiopathic cases, with increasing diagnoses due to advanced techniques.
- Prominent in diseases such as diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, paraneoplastic syndromes, and porphyria, it also impacts pure autonomic failure and requires evaluation in orthostatic intolerance.
Impact:
- Advances in diagnostic techniques enhance the identification of chronic idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy.
- Understanding small-fiber dysfunction is crucial for diagnosing and managing diverse neurological disorders, including those affecting the autonomic nervous system.
- Recognizing small-fiber involvement aids in differential diagnosis, distinguishing conditions like pure autonomic failure from multisystem atrophy.