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. 2019 Jul 29;10(5):1148–1157. doi: 10.1111/jdi.13105

Table 2.

Characteristics of large and small fiber function and their assessment23, 51, 53, 54, 55

  Large fiber neuropathy Small fiber neuropathy
Symptom Numbness, tingling, gait instability Burning pain, electrical shock, stabbing pain
Examination Reflexes, proprioception, vibration Temperature, pinprick sensation
Function Pressure, balance, muscle strength Pain sensation, protective sensation
Diagnostic test

  • Nerve conduction studies

  • DPN Check™ (point‐of‐care device assessing sural nerve conduction)

  • Neurothesiometer

  • Vibrameter

  • Tuning fork (128 Hz)

  • Quantitative sensory testing (QST)

  • Intradermal nerve fiber structure

  • Cornea confocal microscopy

  • Laser Doppler imaging after noxious stimulus

  • Sudomotor function

  • Skin conductance measurement

  • Microneurography

DPN, diabetic polyneuropathy.