Small Fiber Neuropathy in Patients Meeting Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Introduction: The cause for fibromyalgia (FM) is unknown and diagnostic criteria can be nonspecific. Many patients with FM have nonspecific sensory symptoms consistent with a neuropathic process. Previous studies have shown that a significant percentage of patients diagnosed with FM have small fiber neuropathy (SFN) based on decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) on according to punch skin biopsy testing. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that punch skin biopsy testing is an effective way to identify SFN and its underlying causes in patients previously diagnosed with FM.