Welcome to the website on small fiber neuropathy at the department of Neurology of the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+)
The information presented here is intended as a resource for patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and their family members, and for healthcare professionals.
Who are we?
The
small fiber neuropathy team at MUMC+ includes two neurologists, three nurse
practitioners, clinical researchers, neurology registrars, and a
clinical geneticist. We are uniquely trained and qualified to perform all additional investigations
toward the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.
News
The Dutch Patient Association for Neuromuscular Disorders (Vereniging Spierziekten Nederland; VSN) is now involved in the interests of patients with small fiber neuropathy.
More information can be found on the VSN website or by calling their neuromuscular information hotline 0900-5480480.
Small
fiber neuropathy is a form of polyneuropathy. The word ‘poly’
originates from Greek and means “many”. Neuropathy originates from the
Latin word for “nerve disorder”.
Polyneuropathy is a disorder in which a considerable number of nerves
malfunction. In the case of small fiber neuropathy, small
nerve terminals located under the skin surface are specifically
affected. These small nerve fibers are responsible for pain and
temperature sensation, and for autonomic functions (functions such as regulation of blood pressure, gastrointestinal functions and perspiration that take
place involuntarily, without conscious thinking).
Erythermalgia
Erythermalgia is a rare disorder with typical complaints of burning pain, red discoloration and swelling of feet and sometimes hands. Patients with erythermalgia may also have a small fiber neuropathy. This is currently being investigated. For more information regarding this resesearch, please click here.
