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Which are the causes of Small Fiber Neuropathy?

See some of the causes of Small Fiber Neuropathy according to people who have experience in Small Fiber Neuropathy

Small Fiber Neuropathy causes

Causes of Small Fiber Neuropathy


Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder that affects the small nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. These fibers are responsible for transmitting sensory information, such as pain and temperature, from the skin and organs to the brain. SFN can result in various symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and autonomic dysfunction. While the exact cause of SFN is often unknown, there are several potential factors that can contribute to its development.



1. Diabetes Mellitus


Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of SFN. High blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes can damage the small nerve fibers over time, leading to neuropathy. The longer a person has diabetes and the poorer their blood sugar control, the higher their risk of developing SFN.



2. Autoimmune Disorders


Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. Conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease have been associated with SFN. In these cases, the immune system targets the small nerve fibers, causing damage and dysfunction.



3. Infections


Infections can trigger SFN in some individuals. Viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster (shingles), have been linked to the development of neuropathy. Bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, can also cause SFN. The infection itself or the body's immune response to it can damage the small nerve fibers.



4. Genetic Mutations


Genetic mutations can play a role in the development of SFN. Certain inherited disorders, such as Fabry disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can cause damage to the small nerve fibers. These genetic mutations affect the structure and function of the nerves, leading to neuropathy.



5. Toxins and Medications


Toxins and certain medications can cause SFN. Exposure to chemicals such as heavy metals (lead, mercury) and industrial solvents (hexane, toluene) can damage the small nerve fibers. Additionally, certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, antiretrovirals, and certain antibiotics, have been associated with SFN as a side effect.



6. Metabolic Disorders


Metabolic disorders can contribute to the development of SFN. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate), and kidney or liver dysfunction can affect nerve health and function. Metabolic imbalances disrupt the normal functioning of the nerves, leading to neuropathy.



7. Idiopathic


In some cases, the cause of SFN remains unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic SFN. Despite extensive evaluation, no underlying cause can be identified. Idiopathic SFN may be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors that are not yet fully understood.



Conclusion


Small fiber neuropathy can have various causes, including diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, infections, genetic mutations, toxins and medications, metabolic disorders, and idiopathic factors. Identifying the underlying cause of SFN is crucial for appropriate management and treatment. If you suspect you may have SFN, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
Many causes range from diabetes, autoimmune illnesses such as Sjogrens, and Lupus, previous chemotherapy, Ehlers-Danlos, Scleroderma, amyloidosis, and vitamin deficiencies such as copper and b12.
In nearly 1/3 of cases the cause is unknown but recent research is pointing to an “apparently autoimmune” cause in some with the recent discovery of TS-HDS and FGFR3 antibodies.

Posted Jul 12, 2021 by Jo 3150
Apparently some people might be able to get it via Diabetes or maybe they will say the opposite, in the future.

My type is genetic. Tell your ancestors to not have children with their first cousins.

Posted Feb 3, 2022 by Mark 2000

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World map of Small Fiber Neuropathy

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Stories of Small Fiber Neuropathy

SMALL FIBER NEUROPATHY STORIES
Small Fiber Neuropathy stories
If you would like to follow my blog, it is www.livingwellwithsmallfiberpolyneuropathy.com or just search: www.emilyadneyblog.com Ive written 487 posts. Maybe you will find my blog helpful. best wishes, E
Small Fiber Neuropathy stories
I'm 58 and was diagnosed in August of 2014 with Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy but no certainty on cause (most likely Idiopathic or cause by hip replacement surgery). By January my pain in my feet and hand was so bad I could no longer walk on them and m...
Small Fiber Neuropathy stories
Begin 2001 postherpetische neuralgie diagnose. Veel pijn in voeten. Niet meer kunnen lopen. Ziekenhuis in, ziekenhuis uit voor allerlei onderzoeken. Geen resultaat. Totdat dokter Teunissen (Sint Antonius Utrecht) mij in februari 2015 doorverwees naar...
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After a year and a half of severe adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones taken in January 2014 I developed SFN directly related to the FQ damage. It's mostly in my feet but hands tingle on occassion. I'm told it's axonal damage that time may improve (...
Small Fiber Neuropathy stories
Mijn hele leven loop ik echt letterlijk met pijn ,na veel onderzoek en veel verschillende ziekenhuizen eindelijk na ongeveer 45 jaar een diagnose , sinds ik met echt vreselijke pijn bij een neuroloog terecht kwam waar ik al eerder was geweest enkele ...

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Small Fiber Neuropathy forum

SMALL FIBER NEUROPATHY FORUM
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How many of you developed your neuropathy after taking Fluoroquinolone antibiotics? (Cipro, Avelox, Levaquin) There is a map here for Fluoroquinolone Toxicity now, too.
Small Fiber Neuropathy forum
Anyone have non-diabetic small fiber neuropathy? Have your doctors found a cause or is it idiopathic?
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What kind of treatment options are there for small fiber neuropathy? Are they helpful?

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