What is idiopathic neuropathy?

June 17, 2025


Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.


What is idiopathic neuropathy?

Idiopathic neuropathy is nerve damage that occurs without a known cause, even after thorough medical evaluation. The term “idiopathic” means the origin or reason for the condition is unknown.

What Is Idiopathic Neuropathy?
Diagnosed when common causes of neuropathy—like diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or hereditary conditions—have been ruled out.

Most often affects sensory nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.

Typically develops slowly and is often seen in older adults.

Symptoms
Numbness or tingling, usually in the feet and hands

Burning or stabbing pain

Loss of balance or coordination

Decreased sensation or abnormal sensations

Diagnosis
Extensive testing to exclude known causes (blood tests, imaging, nerve conduction studies)

Diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out other neuropathies.

Summary
Idiopathic neuropathy is chronic nerve damage without an identifiable cause, commonly causing sensory symptoms in the extremities.

Would you like to know more about how idiopathic neuropathy is managed or what treatments are available?

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a type of peripheral neuropathy that specifically affects the small nerve fibers responsible for pain, temperature sensation, and autonomic functions.

What is Small Fiber Neuropathy?
Definition: Damage or dysfunction of the small unmyelinated (C fibers) and thinly myelinated (A-delta fibers) peripheral nerve fibers.

Affected functions: Sensory (pain and temperature) and autonomic nervous system functions.

Large fibers (which control vibration, proprioception, and muscle strength) usually remain unaffected.

Symptoms
Sensory symptoms:

Burning pain

Tingling or “pins and needles”

Sharp or shooting pain

Sensitivity to temperature changes

Numbness (especially in feet and hands)

Autonomic symptoms:

Abnormal sweating

Dry eyes or mouth

Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation)

Dizziness upon standing (due to blood pressure regulation problems)

Causes
Diabetes mellitus (most common cause)

Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus)

Infections (HIV, hepatitis C)

Genetic disorders (Fabry disease, hereditary sensory neuropathies)

Toxins or medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)

Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6)

Often idiopathic (unknown cause)

Diagnosis
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms.

Skin biopsy to assess nerve fiber density (gold standard).

Quantitative sensory testing to evaluate pain and temperature perception.

Autonomic testing if symptoms suggest autonomic involvement.

Nerve conduction studies are typically normal since large fibers are spared.

Treatment
Address underlying cause if identified.

Symptom management with medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants).

Supportive therapies and lifestyle changes.

If you want, I can explain more about diagnosis methods or specific treatments for small fiber neuropathy!


Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.