Peripheral neuropathy detection
The peripheral autonomic neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes
The sweat glands are innervated by sympathetic unmyelinated nerve fibers of small diameter.
Exploring the sweat function was proposed to evaluate the severity of autonomic neuropathy. [1]
Neuropathic involvement of small fibers develops very early in patients with diabetes [2].
We find these impairments in other pathologies such as:
| Amyloidosis | Infections (Lyme Disease, HIV) |
| Autoimmune Diseases | Certain Medications (Chemotherapy Drugs) |
| Inherited Disorders | Alcoholism |
SUDOSCAN technology allows to evaluate small fiber neuropathy through sweat function.
Symptoms of peripheral autonomic neuropathies
The table below shows some symptoms associated with peripheral autonomic neuropathies:
| Body System | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Stomach and intestines | Constipation (hard stools) Diarrhea (loose stools) Feeling full after only a few bites (early satiety) Nausea after eating Problems controlling bowel movements Swallowing problems Swollen abdomen Vomiting of undigested food |
| Heart and lungs | Abnormal heart rate or rhythm Blood pressure changes with position (orthostatic hypotension) Dizziness when standing High blood pressure Shortness of breath with activity or exercise (exercise intolerance) |
| Bladder | Difficulty beginning to urinate Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying Leaking urine (incontinence) |
| Other | Sweating too much or not enough Heat intolerance brought on with activity and exercise Sexual problems including erection problems Vaginal dryness and orgasm difficulties Sluggish pupillary reflex Weight loss without trying |
References:
[1] Low PA. Evaluation of sudomotor function. Clin Neurophysiol 2004;115:1506-13.
[2] Tesfaye S, Chaturvedi N, Eaton SE, et al; EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study Group. Vascular risk factors and diabetic neuropathy. N Engl J Med 2005;352:341-50.
