ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is difficult to diagnose and treat. Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) flies under the radar of nerve conduction studies. OBJECTIVES: The importance of a structured patient history and physical examination in the context of neuropathic pain is emphasized. Describing SFN as an important cause, the authors consider rare but partially treatable differential diagnoses. They conclude that autonomic symptoms are frequently associated, often presenting with diverse symptoms. METHODS: A selective literature research to present SFN symptoms as well as differential diagnostic and therapeutic steps in the context of SFN and rare diseases focusing on the autonomic nervous system. RESULTS: Neuropathic pain significantly reduces quality of life. To shorten the time until diagnosis and to initiate therapy, the authors recommend a structured patient history including sensory plus and minus symptoms and non-specific autonomic signs. If the initial search for the cause is not successful, rare causes such as treatable transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis and Fabry's disease or autoimmune causes should be considered, particularly in the case of progressive and/or autonomic symptoms. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and therapy of rare SFN requires interdisciplinary collaboration and, in many cases, a referral to specialized centers to achieve the best patient care.
