Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 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: An Etiology-Oriented Review
Alessandro Furia1, Rocco Liguori1,2, Vincenzo Donadio1,2
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) diagnosis can be challenging, but various etiologies exist beyond idiopathic forms. Prompt investigation is crucial when clinical signs suggest SFN, even with negative standard nerve tests.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects Aδ or C nerve fibers, impacting pain, temperature sensation, and autonomic function.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to limited specific tests and negative results from standard large-fiber neuropathy assessments.
- Skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing aid diagnosis with a consistent clinical presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse etiologies of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN).
- To increase awareness of SFN's varied causes and encourage thorough diagnostic evaluation.
- To highlight prevalent metabolic and idiopathic causes while exploring others.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted on PubMed using "Small-Fiber Neuropathy" and its known etiologies.
- Abstracts of relevant studies were reviewed and synthesized.
- The review encompassed findings from a total of 40 studies.
Main Results:
- Numerous disorders have been linked to SFN, often documented in case reports or small series.
- Idiopathic SFN is frequently reported in the literature.
- Associations with infectious and autoimmune disorders are noted.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic SFN is the most common finding in current literature.
- Investigating SFN is recommended when clinical symptoms align, even if standard tests are negative.
- Recognizing associations with various disorders aids in timely diagnosis and management.
