Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density is the only test available which assists your physician in diagnosing Diabetic Neuropathy and Small Fiber Neuropathy. This type of neuropathy affects the small, but not large fibers in the peripheral nerves.
Symptoms of Small Fiber Neuropathy include numbness, tingling, burning, stinging, shooting or aching pains, usually in the arms and legs, but also in other parts of the body, including the torso and face. The condition is caused by degeneration or inflammation of the small nerve fibers, which carry signals from pain and temperature receptors in the skin to the central nervous system or spinal cord.
The procedure consists of taking two skin biopsies under local anesthesia. One from the calf and another from the thigh. The areas are covered with a topical antibiotic and band aid. The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
How do I prepare for the test?
Eat your normal meals.
Take your normal medications.
Bathe or shower the morning of the exam.
Do NOT use bath oils, lotions or creams.
NOTE: You will be receiving two bills for this service. One from NeuroCare Center, Inc. for performing the biopsy and one from Therapath Laboratories for processing the biopsies. We suggest you check with your insurance to make sure Therapath Laboratories is in network.