The first problem discovered in FM was fewer nerve fibers than usual in the skin. (The dark lines are the nerve fibers). (Photomicrograph courtesy of Therapath Laboratory (NY, NY))
Small fiber neuropathy refers to the loss of small nerve fibers in the skin and eyes (and perhaps elsewhere) of approximately 45% of people with fibromyalgia and many people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well. These nerve fibers can transmit sensory and autonomic nervous system signals to the brain.
SFN could help explain the pain, central nervous system sensitization and even autonomic nervous system problems in FM. Check out our SFN (and some large nerve fiber) blogs below:
- More is Not Better: Increased Small Nerve Fiber Problems in Fibromyalgia Spell Trouble (8/2019)
- Is the Brain Causing the Small Fiber Neuropathy in Fibromyalgia (and ME/CFS?) (8/2019)
- Diagnosing Fibromyalgia The Small Nerve Fiber Way
- More Than Skin-Deep: The Small Nerve Fiber Problems in Fibromyalgia – A Review
- Eye-Opening Finding: Small Fiber Neuropathy Found in Fibromyalgia Patient’s Eyes
- Fibromyalgia, Small Fiber Neuropathy and Eye-Opening Developments in Pain Research: An FM and Pain Researcher Talks
- Small Fiber Neuropathy Fibromyalgia Studies Mount But Does SFN Cause Pain in FM?
- Small Fiber Nerve Study Suggests New Era in Fibromyalgia (and Perhaps Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) Could Be At Hand
- Damaged Neuroprotective Process Spells Pain for Fibromyalgia – Suggests Small Fiber Neuropathy is Present
- Small Nerve Fiber Neuropathy Commonly Found in Fibromyalgia (and Linked to Central Sensitization)
- The ‘Body’ is Back in Fibromyalgia: Small Nerve Fiber Damage Suggests The Pain Begins There
- Small Fiber Neuropathy Fibromyalgia Study Raises Questions
