Small Fiber Neuropathy

Neurology Institute of Huntsville, Inc. Board-Certified Neurologists located in Huntsville, AL

Small Fiber Neuropathy Specialist

Researchers estimate up to 50% of people with prediabetes also experience small fiber neuropathy. Though common, without early intervention and treatment, small fiber neuropathy can affect your mobility and quality of life. At the Neurology Institute of Huntsville, board-certified and fellowship-trained neurologist Jitesh Kar, MD, boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating small fiber neuropathy. To make an appointment at the practice in Huntsville, Alabama, call the office or click the online booking tool today.

Small Fiber Neuropathy Q&A

What is small fiber neuropathy?

Small fiber neuropathy is a chronic condition that occurs due to damage to the small fibers of the peripheral nervous system. These small fibers relay information like pain and temperature sensations to other parts of your body. They also regulate autonomic functions, like your heart and respiratory rate.

Anyone can develop small fiber neuropathy, but it’s especially common in people with prediabetes and fibromyalgia. Fortunately, when detected early on, it’s possible to manage and treat.

What are the symptoms of small fiber neuropathy?

Common symptoms of small fiber neuropathy include:

Burning pain in the legs or feet
Tingling or prickling sensations in the limbs
Shorts bursts of intense pain
Loss of sensation

If your autonomic nerves are affected, you might also experience dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, or incontinence.

Small fiber neuropathy affects everyone differently. For some people, it’s a minor annoyance that flares up from time to time. For others, it results in chronic pain and mobility issues.

What causes small fiber neuropathy?

Often, small fiber neuropathy is a symptom of a more serious underlying health problem like:

Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Endocrine and metabolic disorders
Celiac disease
Hereditary diseases
Immune system disorders
Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
HIV

You might also develop small fiber neuropathy due to Hepatitis C or Lyme disease.

How is small fiber neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose small fiber neuropathy, Dr. Kar conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, their severity, and where they’re most noticeable. Afterward, he performs a nerve conduction (NC) test and electromyography (EMG). These tests help rule out large fiber peripheral neuropathies, which trigger similar symptoms.

If the results of the NC and EMG tests are normal, Dr. Kar conducts a skin biopsy. During this mildly invasive screening procedure, he removes several small samples of skin from your legs. He places the samples under a microscope and assesses them for signs of small fiber neuropathy.

How is small fiber neuropathy treated?

Treatment of small fiber neuropathy depends on the underlying cause. For example, if it occurs due to diabetes, Dr. Kar recommends healthy lifestyle changes and regular blood sugar monitoring.

If Dr. Kar is unable to pinpoint the source of your symptoms, he might prescribe a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms. Common methods of care include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and topical pain creams.

To receive treatment for small fiber neuropathy, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.

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