Skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing can contribute to small fibre neuropathy diagnostics
Krøigård, T.; Karlsson, P.; Finnerup, N.Brix.; Sindrup, Søren.Hein.; Jensen, T.Staehelin.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 178(25)
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 27401988 Document Number: 686860
Nerve conduction studies are normal in small fibre neuropathy and special methods such as skin biopsies or quantitative sensory testing are required for diagnosis. In skin biopsies, nerve fibres are stained immunohistochemically and loss of distal nerve endings can be quantified directly. Assessment of thermal detection thresholds is used to evaluate the function of the sensory thermal pathways, but cannot discriminate between central and peripheral lesions. Small fibre neuropathy is often associated with potentially treatable diseases, and treatment of neuropathic pain may be required.