Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
09:39
Establishing a Mouse Model of a Pure Small Fiber Neuropathy with the Ultrapotent Agonist of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1
Published on: February 13, 2018
9.5K
Small Fiber Neuropathy in Veterans With Gulf War Illness
Edward C Shadiack1,2, Omowunmi Osinubi1,2, Apollonia Gruber-Fox2
1Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care Systems, East Orange.
Summary
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is common in Gulf War Illness (GWI) veterans, with identified causes in most cases. Deployment exposures may contribute to idiopathic SFN, but SFN doesn't fully explain GWI symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Military Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Gulf War Illness (GWI) presents with chronic multisystemic symptoms in veterans of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is frequently reported in GWI, suggesting potential pathophysiological links.
- Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) shares similar symptoms with GWI and has been linked to toxic exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed SFN in veterans diagnosed with GWI.
- To compare the burden of ANS dysfunction symptoms between GWI veterans with and without SFN.
- To identify potential etiologies for SFN in GWI veterans.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of clinical data from Gulf War veterans at the New Jersey War Related Illness and Injury Study Center.
- Analysis of skin biopsy results to confirm SFN diagnosis.
- Abstraction of GWI status, SFN diagnosis, and ANS symptom burden from medical records.
Main Results:
- Of 51 Gulf War veterans with skin biopsies, 42 (83%) had GWI, and 24 (57%) of those also had SFN.
- No significant difference in ANS symptoms was found between GWI veterans with and without SFN.
- A potential etiology for SFN was identified in 67% of GWI veterans with SFN, rising to 79% with hyperlipidemia included.
Conclusions:
- Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is prevalent in this cohort of Gulf War Illness (GWI) veterans.
- While potential causes for SFN were found in most cases, approximately 20% of GWI veterans with SFN had idiopathic SFN, possibly linked to deployment exposures.
- SFN does not solely account for the autonomic nervous system symptoms in GWI, and further research is needed to explore the relationship between Gulf War exposures and SFN.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
785
Local anesthetics (LAs) block the sodium channels of nerve trunks, sensory nerve endings, and neuromuscular junctions. Although LAs can block all kinds of nerves, the sensitivity of nerve fibers differs according to nerve types and structures. LAs are known to block myelinated fibers faster than unmyelinated ones. Also, they block pain or sensory neurons at low concentrations without affecting the motor neurons involved in muscle contractions. This helps relieve labor pain without affecting the...
785
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
686
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
686
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
3
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses,...
3
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
3
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs but also impacts other areas, such as the arms, thereby impairing overall circulation and organ function.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty deposits inside the arterial...
3
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
3
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
3
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.2K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.2K