Small Fiber Neuropathy in the Elderly

Lan Zhou

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.002

Small Fiber Neuropathy in the Elderly

Clin Geriatr Med. 2021 May;37(2):279-288. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.002. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Author

Lan Zhou¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center Cutaneous Nerve Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 33858610
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.002

Abstract

Small fiber neuropathy is common and prevalent in the elderly. The disease can be associated with many medical conditions. It often has a negative impact on quality of life due to painful paresthesia, dizziness, and sedative side effects of pain medications. Skin biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test. Screening for associated conditions is important, because etiology-specific treatment can slow down disease progression and ameliorate symptoms. Adequate pain control can be challenging due to safety and tolerability of pain medications in the elderly. Treatment should be individualized with the goals of controlling underlying causes, alleviating pain, and optimizing daily function.

Keywords: Clinical features; Elderly; Management; Small fiber neuropathy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Biopsy
Humans
Pain Management
Patient-Centered Care
Quality of Life
Skin / pathology*
Small Fiber Neuropathy / diagnosis*
Small Fiber Neuropathy / drug therapy
Small Fiber Neuropathy / etiology*