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Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy and cardiac arrest

Posted by cpmac89 @cpmac89, Nov 3, 2023

I was diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy 4years ago, a year after suffering a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection that resulted in cardiac arrest. I was defibrillated 2-3 times and wonder if it's related. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I also would like to know if anyone else has noticed that their symptoms are more intense with weather changes.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 4, 2023

Welcome @cpmac89, I don't know of any connection between small fiber neuropathy between Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection or cardiac arrest but that's not to say there isn't one. Hopefully members with experience will respond to your discussion. There definitely seems to be a connection between weather changes and neuropathy or other pain symptoms. Here are a couple of related discussions you might want to view:

--- Neuropathy: Does your pain increase when the weather changes?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-pain-and-changing-weather/
--- Pain And Changes In Weather...Am I Alone????: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-and-changes-in-weather-am-i-alone/

Have you tried doing any research on your question using PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or other reliable sites?

REPLY
cpmac89 | @cpmac89 | Nov 4, 2023

I have. I can't find anything to link neuropathy and cardiac defibrillation. Every doctor I ask just gives me a blank look (hahaha) The symptoms came on very suddenly. I was very weak and tired for several weeks as well. One of the neurosurgeons that I work with thinks it was probably a viral syndrome, but who knows? I think my rheumatologist has tested me for every autoimmune disease there is and everything has been negative. My A1C is consistently 5 something, so we know I'm not diabetic. When things flair up I just really feel yucky, especially my hands. It's hard to do fine motor stuff. Just holding a pen is uncomfortable, so starting an IV becomes challenging. Cymbalta and Lyrica help, but make me sleepy. It's just really frustrating. I wish there was something else.
Thank you for your suggestions and links. I'll definitely check them out.

REPLY
1 reply
gently | @gently | Nov 5, 2023
In reply to @cpmac89 "I have. I can't find anything to link neuropathy and cardiac defibrillation. Every doctor I ask..." + (show)
@cpmac89

I have. I can't find anything to link neuropathy and cardiac defibrillation. Every doctor I ask just gives me a blank look (hahaha) The symptoms came on very suddenly. I was very weak and tired for several weeks as well. One of the neurosurgeons that I work with thinks it was probably a viral syndrome, but who knows? I think my rheumatologist has tested me for every autoimmune disease there is and everything has been negative. My A1C is consistently 5 something, so we know I'm not diabetic. When things flair up I just really feel yucky, especially my hands. It's hard to do fine motor stuff. Just holding a pen is uncomfortable, so starting an IV becomes challenging. Cymbalta and Lyrica help, but make me sleepy. It's just really frustrating. I wish there was something else.
Thank you for your suggestions and links. I'll definitely check them out.

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I came across this several years ago when researching Ramon y Cahal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5912271/
Cardiac symptoms include syncope, palpitations, and orthostatic hypotension. You might have to be patient reading the article. The connection (I'm thinking) is between small fiber neuropathy and afib. I would at least want to be typed as to cause of neuropathy.
Best wishes

REPLY
cpmac89 | @cpmac89 | Nov 5, 2023

Really really interesting! Thank you! This information will give me more to discuss with my PCP in February.

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