Fibro neuropathy, more accurately known as small fiber neuropathy, is a type of nerve damage that primarily affects the small nerve fibers in the skin.
Understanding Small Fiber Neuropathy
This condition is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It targets the smaller nerve fibers, often responsible for carrying sensations like pain and temperature.
Key Features of Small Fiber Neuropathy
- Location: It predominantly impacts the nerve endings in the skin.
- Sensations:
- Frequently causes tingling or burning pain in the feet.
- Can sometimes lead to a reduced sensitivity to heat and certain types of pain.
Symptoms and Impact
While the primary symptom is often pain, it is not always consistent, and can vary between individuals.
Common Symptoms:
- Burning or tingling sensations, often in the feet.
- Numbness in the affected areas.
- Reduced sensation to heat or other forms of pain.
How is Small Fiber Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging as it sometimes requires specialized testing and the symptoms may overlap with other conditions.
Diagnostic Tests:
- Skin biopsy: This can help visualize and assess the density of small nerve fibers.
- Autonomic testing: To assess the function of autonomic nerve fibers
- Nerve conduction studies: These test larger nerve fibers, and may be normal even if small fiber neuropathy is present.
Treatment and Management
Treatments typically aim to manage symptoms and address the underlying causes.
Potential Treatments:
- Medications: Including pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants.
- Physical therapy: To improve strength, balance, and mobility.
- Lifestyle changes: Such as diet and exercise.
- Management of underlying conditions: Addressing factors like diabetes.
