Does Prednisone Help To Treat Small Fiber Neuropathy?

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 28 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : How successful are Prednicone steroids for treating small fiber neuropathy? If so at what dosage?

Are there better treatments you would recommend?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prednisolone can be used in selected cases.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Small fiber neuropathy can be treated with Prednisolone ( 25 mg/ twice a day for two weeks tapering Prednisolone the second week) if there was no underlying cause found, or the underlying cause is Sarcoidosis.

In other cases ( Diabetes related small fiber neuropathy) Prednisone is not used.

Gabapentin and Lyrica are used to improve symptoms.

Other possibilities of treatment include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (46 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Erion Spaho.

May I please just ask this follow on question?

I also had a positive nuclear XXXXXXX with a PR3 of 17 (range 0.9 -1.9). Would this have an impact on treatment?

Thank You

XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is positive impact on treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX positive means there is probably Vasculitis or autoimmune condition.

Corticosteroids improve these conditions too.

Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar