Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a neurological disorder which primarily affects the small, sensory nerve fibers of the peripheral nervous system. SFN damages either small myelinated (Aδ) fibers or unmyelinated C fibers.

These fibers are involved in sensory functions such as thermal sensitivity and nociception (sensory nervous system’s reaction to harmful stimuli).  Also, these fibers are associated with various types of autonomic and enteric functions.

SFN results primarily from the loss or destruction of small nerve fibers or else because of an alteration in the morphology of small nerve fibers. However, the exact cause of destruction of small nerve fibers is still unknown.

Neuropathy that is the damage of nerves. Image Credit: Tefi / Shutterstock
 
Neuropathy that is the damage of nerves. Image Credit: Tefi / Shutterstock

Symptoms of SFN

Majority of small fiber neuropathies manifest in a length-dependent manner, which results in a symmetrical loss of function. Loss of functioning initially manifests in the lower extremities in a stocking distribution. If it progresses to the upper extremities it manifests in a glove pattern of nerve symptoms. Rarely, a non-length-dependent neuropathy manifests over the trunk, face, proximal limbs, or other focal areas.

Symptoms of SFN may differ extensively in severity. Broadly, they are classified into sensory and autonomic symptoms.

Small Fiber Neuropathy Experts at Mount Sinai - Dr. David Simpson and Dr. Lan Zhou

Sensory Symptoms

Destruction or loss of small nerve fibers results in pain, tingling, numbness or a burning sensation in the lower extremities, with a distal to proximal gradient. Affected individuals typically complain of the gradual onset of indistinct sensation, especially in the feet. They often complain of an unusual feeling such as a sock crumpling up over the feet. Some complain of a feeling as if small stones were stuck in their shoes or as if they were walking on sand. Others report feeling as if their feet have become hard like wood.

Besides the above, patients have also reported symptoms such as a burning pain in the feet, a classic symptom which worsens in a stocking-glove distribution. The symptoms are aggravated over time, and patients complain of stabbing pain associated with cramps, electric shock or needle sensation in the feet and calves.

Symptoms of SFN usually flare up at night and individuals often experience disturbed sleeping patterns. As the symptoms progress individuals cannot tolerate even the touch of light clothing on their feet. Others complain of a feeling of swelling or tightness of the feet, even though the feet are visibly normal.

A medical examination reveals:

  • Allodynia (excessive sensitivity such that non-painful stimuli are perceived as painful)
  • Hyperalgesia (painful stimuli more acute than typically expected)
  • Minimal thermal sensation or pricking sensation
  • Mild vibratory sensation in the feet

However, the general motor vigor, proprioception and reflexes of tendons are not affected, primarily because these functions are regulated by large nerve fibers.

Autonomic Symptoms

Autonomic symptoms develop when autonomic fibers are damaged. Affected individuals usually complain of:

  • Dry eyes and mouth
  • Orthostatic (Postural) dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Sexual problems
  • Excessive sweating
  • Skin discoloration
  • Wasting of skin
  • Edematous (accumulation of water) skin

Causes of SFN

The main cause of SFN has been linked with various medical problems. Below is the list of various medical conditions associated with SFN:

  • Glucose dysmetabolism in conditions like diabetes or prediabetes
  • Connective tissue disease
  • Dysthyroidism
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Paraproteinemia or monoclonal gammopathy (a condition when excessive amounts of paraprotein or single monoclonal gammaglobulin accumulates in the blood)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Hepatitis C virus infection
  • Celiac disease
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Neurotoxic drug exposure
  • Hereditary diseases
  • Paraneoplastic syndrome ( a collective symptom of rare disorders that are activated by an altered immune system in response to cancer)

Most of the above mentioned diseases result in the destruction of small nerve fibers in a length- dependent fashion; however, some medical conditions like Sjogren disease, celiac disease, and paraneoplastic syndrome result in SFN in a non-length-dependent manner.

Among all these medical conditions, the leading cause is impaired glucose metabolism, accounting for painful sensory neuropathy in over one-third of affected patients. Studies have also indicated a close association of SFN with metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is a collection of various conditions like of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity and impaired glucose metabolism coupled with insulin resistance.

It has been observed that the risk of developing SFN is doubled in individuals affected with diabetes and metabolic syndrome compared to individuals with diabetes alone. Although, hereditary medical conditions linked with SFN have been found to be rare, some hereditary conditions closely linked with SFN include Fabry disease, Tangier disease, hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy, and hereditary amyloidosis.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Dec 9, 2022

Akshima Sahi

Written by

Akshima Sahi

Akshima is a registered dentist and seasoned medical writer from Dharamshala, India. Akshima is actively involved in educating people about the importance of good dental health. She examines patients and lends free counseling sessions. Taking her passion for medical writing ahead, her aim is to educate the masses about the value of good oral health.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Sahi, Akshima. (2022, December 09). Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Small-Fiber-Neuropathy-Symptoms-and-Causes.aspx.

  • MLA

    Sahi, Akshima. "Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Small-Fiber-Neuropathy-Symptoms-and-Causes.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Sahi, Akshima. "Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Small-Fiber-Neuropathy-Symptoms-and-Causes.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Sahi, Akshima. 2022. Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Small-Fiber-Neuropathy-Symptoms-and-Causes.aspx.

Comments

  1. Starla Flannery Starla Flannery United States says:

    I was diagnosed with small fiber  a couple of years back. Now, there is a place on my righ thigh that will start burning for no reason at all. Could this be the SF neuropathy flaring up?
    It will feel like a match being held their. Thank you, Starla Flannery

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.