Definition and diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy: consensus from the Peripheral Neuropathy Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology
- Resource Type
- article
- Authors
- Gondim, Francisco de Assis Aquino; Barreira, Amilton Antunes; Claudino, Rinaldo; Cruz, Márcia Waddington; Cunha, Francisco Marcos Bezerra da; Freitas, Marcos Raimundo Gomes de; França Jr, Marcondes Cavalcante; Gonçalves, Marcus Vinícius Magno; Marques Jr, Wilson; Nascimento, Osvaldo José Moreira; Oliveira, Acary Souza Bulle; Pereira, Raquel Campos; Pupe, Camila; Rotta, Francisco Tellechea; Schestatsky, Pedro
- Source
- Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria. March 2018 76(3)
- Subject
- small fiber neuropathy
unmyelinated nerve fibers
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0004-282X
The aim of this study was to describe the results of a Brazilian Consensus on Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN). Fifteen neurologists (members of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology) reviewed a preliminary draft. Eleven panelists got together in the city of Fortaleza to discuss and finish the text for the manuscript submission. Small fiber neuropathy can be defined as a subtype of neuropathy characterized by selective involvement of unmyelinated or thinly myelinated sensory fibers. Its clinical picture includes both negative and positive manifestations: sensory (pain/dysesthesias/pruritus) or combined sensory and autonomic complaints, associated with an almost entirely normal neurological examination. Standard electromyography is normal. A growing list of medical conditions is associated with SFN. The classification of SFN may also serve as a useful terminology to uncover minor discrepancies in the normal values from different neurophysiology laboratories. Several techniques may disclose sensory and/or autonomic impairment. Further studies are necessary to refine these techniques and develop specific therapies.