What is the difference between SFN & PN?
 

What is difference between SFN & PN?
I was told by my neuro doc after EMG/ NCV testing that I DID NOT have neuropathy. Then last month was told after punch biopsies that I have SFN. What is the difference. My left leg and arm are affected .......and I have terrible pressure in my upper abs and back on and off........TERRIBLE ringing in my ears every night. I'm sooooo miserable. Help!
Thanks
Kate

Small Fiber is just a form of neuropathy. It is peripheral as well. There are other forms that affect the large fibers and motor function. Small fiber usually results in pain, burning, tingling, buzzing, numbness, etc. You also might want to look up autonomic neuropathy which can cause some of the other issues you mentioned.

Have you had extensive blood work done? Testing for diabetes, thyroid, toxicity, vitamin levels, autoimmune issues, etc. ? That would be essential now that you have a confirmed diagnosis. A good neuro will want to search for the cause of SFN, once its diagnosed. A skin biopsy is pretty accurate in diagnosis SFN.

no difference, but sfn specific to the small fibers nerves, and peripheral means neuropathy of the nerves outside of autonomic system, not autonomic system. Mostly sensory nerves are affected. Small fiber can cause pn.

• The central nervous system – Brain, Spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system - All the nerves except for the brain and the

spinal cord. It contains 3 branches:

• Sensory
• Motor
• Autonomic

Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system
SFN is a form of neuropathy that affects the smaller fibers in the peripheral nervous system. The damage can include sensory and autonomic nerve fibers.

The skin biopsy tests the small fibers, and EMG tests the large fibers of the peripheral nervous system.

Also peripheral neuropathy is distal, where SFN can be non length dependent. It can be all over your body and face. Like me:(

What are your symptoms in your left arm and leg? That is where mine started too.

See my response in the other thread you posted:
 

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread224697.html

It elaborates on what is said here, and points you towards our Useful Websites section at the top of this forum for even more explanatory information.

Does anyone know what causes the ringing in the ears from Neuropathy?


Uglogirl

I have it all due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome (CMT). CMT is in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Everything outside of the central nervous system (CNS). It is the most common "inherited" disorder. There are more than 70 types of it.

Yes, I would like to know this also...I've had this non-stop since my symptoms began. It's so aggravating!

Indeed, nothing like burning ears and a tingly jaw eh?

I have had numerous blood tests. I have an incurable bladder disease and drs. thought it might all be related. Systemic

Mine started in my groin area, my left pinky and left foot toes. Both feet had numbness but, my left foot is VERY weak. Now my hand shakes and my leg shakes. Sometimes my shoulders shake. I have muscle jumping all over. Especially when I'm anxious or tired. I'm also having bowel problems and terrible pressure in upper abs and back.

Were you on any medications long term recently like Acid controlling drugs or statins?

Women who have IC symptoms should consider if they use Lisinopril for blood pressure.

This drug is excreted whole, and irritates the bladder lining. It causes a buildup of Bradykinin which swells the tissues of the bladder and irritates it.

Also looking at a low oxalate diet may help.

I don't understand.....distal and non length dependent? :)

I was on the only drug used to help rebuild the bladder lining, Elmiron. I stopped using it after 6 months because of digestive issues and half my hair fell out. My GI doc said stomach issues were the number one complaint with Elmiron.

Alcohol PN
 

All clinical studies I've found agree that Alcohol PN begins distall, but if the obvious necessary behavioral changes are not addressed within a timely window, the worsening PN will progress in proximal direction.