The evaluation of small fiber neuropathy: a survey of American Academy of Neurology members

Thawani el al. recently conducted a survey of neurologists regarding their evaluation of patients with small fiber neuropathy.¹ The survey found that neurologists with a neuromuscular subspecialty were more likely to order a skin biopsy for intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Additionally, Thawani et al. recommended that the American Academy of Neurology develop practice parameters for small fiber neuropathy patient workup.

“When asked which tests they would order given a clinical scenario of distal symmetric SFN, neuromuscular specialists were more likely to order electromyography/nerve conduction studies, skin biopsy for SFN, anti-nuclear antibodies, oral glucose tolerance tests, and serum immunofixation compared to non-neuromuscular neurologists who were more likely to order a serum folate level.”