[Small-fibre neuropathy].

BACKGROUND

Small-fibre neuropathy is a neuropathy that mainly affects the small nerve fibres. Owing to doctors' inadequate knowledge of the condition and limited diagnostic methods, this type of neuropathy is probably under-diagnosed. Small-fibre neuropathy has many causes, but the symptoms are often relatively similar. This review article is intended to give doctors insight into the clinical expressions and diagnosis of the condition.

METHOD

The article is based on literature searches in PubMed and the authors' clinical and scientific experience of the subject.

RESULTS

Small-fibre neuropathy generates a characteristic distribution of symptoms, particularly pain, and is associated with a number of common illnesses. Specific tests for small fibre neuropathy, such as skin biopsy and thermal testing, can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment targets the symptoms, but complete pain relief is often difficult to achieve.

INTERPRETATION

The clinical neurological examination will not generally be able to detect small-fibre neuropathy, but will contribute primarily to excluding a more general polyneuropathy. Supplementary tests are often necessary to make a final diagnosis.