Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when something damages small nerve fibers in the skin, causing symptoms that include painful tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet. The condition also can affect other small nerve fibers that manage essential body functions, such as blood pressure or heart rate.
SNF symptoms can be severe and affect overall quality of life. While small fiber neuropathy isn’t a serious medical condition, it may be a sign of other conditions that could be life-threatening. Healthcare providers treat the condition by focusing on the underlying causes and with medication that helps with SFN’s painful symptoms.
Symptoms of small fiber neuropathy vary, but common early symptoms are “pins-and-needles” pain or a burning sensation in the hands and feet. These symptoms may come and go or be constant and often worsen over time. Other symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting.
- Heart palpitations.
- Numbness.
- Not being able to feel pain and temperature in a small spot on your body.
- Stomach cramps.
- Sweating more than usual.
About half of small fiber neuropathy cases happen for no known reason. Healthcare providers may call this idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (iSFN). Research shows several medical conditions, inherited disorders or exposure to toxins may cause SFN. These include diabetes, alcohol use disorder, and infectious diseases such as HIV.
Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids and topical therapies are potential treatment options, although no long-lasting or curative therapies are currently available for iSFN patients, leading to a high unmet medical need for this patient population.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic and Sangamo Therapeutics
