NeuroTalk Support Groups - Small Fiber Neuropathy

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- Peripheral Neuropathy (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/)

- - Small Fiber Neuropathy (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/220089-fiber-neuropathy.html)

Small Fiber Neuropathy

Dearest NeuroTalk PN folks:

Since last I posted regularly I have developed Small Fiber Neuropathy in addition to my profound PN in my feet and legs.

It has affected my arms and hands and fingers, with stinging, burning and sharp stabbing pains in the ends of my fingers.

It also affected my lower face, lips and tongue, with the same stinging and burning, tingling.

I take 3600 mg of Neurontin (Gabapentin), daily, and that pretty much stops the symptoms.

Has anyone else developed SFN in addition to PN?

I hope I hear from any of you who also have SFN.

Regards, ElaineD

Hi Elaine, I have small fiber neuropathy. It is actually called small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I am not an expert on the different types of PN, but I know that SFN often comes with autonomic nervous system damage/ dysfunction where I don't think typical PN does. Do you know what your cause is? Mine has been collectively thought to be definitely autoimmune- Sjogrens/ possible tick borne bacteria. I have it all over. It started gradually with autonomic symptoms and numb spots, tingling left leg in Oct 2013 (but I was still ok and functioning- not much bothered by it and thought it was just hormones and lumbar disk) and then I had developed shooting nerve pains in my shoulders, elbows, and hands and muscle spasms last summer that eventually landed me in the ER in Sept. I had a debilitating phase from Sept to Jan where I could not drive or even brush my little girls hair. The nueropathy spread all over my body. It is a long story with many symptoms, but I am well enough now to cook again and to do most of my housework. I don't have a day symptom free and I am far from back to myself, but no where near where I was 5 months ago. Its pretty much a night mare, but I'm hopeful and trying to stay positive.

There is a lot of help on this board.

I have SFN and it is I believe autoimmune related, I have lots of symptoms for sjogrens but the rheumatologist I saw wouldn't diagonose it because I have normal blood test results which is frustrating. I have pain all over in random patches, I take pregabalin and have three monthly lignocaine infusions for the nerve pain.
Unfortunately I have developed widespread joint pain which is not being managed at all 😔
I also have dry eyes and eyelid dermatitis which is managed with frequent eye drops and creams 😒

Hi Elaine

Sorry to hear of your SFN diagnosis. Did your doctor give you any info regarding possible cause? Many people never get a specific diagnosis so you are one step ahead to getting treatment. I'm still waiting confirmed diagnosis but suspect an auto-immune cause as well. (have eliminated a few other causes). As Healthgirl explained above PN is a general term used to cover many types of neuropathy - SFN is a more specific type.

Here's a couple of links I found useful in trying to sort out the cause and which type of PN:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/p...neuropathy.htm

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/...hy/Default.htm

Happy to share any further info as I'm still researching this. Please ask if there's anything specific I may be able to help with.