Undiagnosed Small Fiber Polyneuropathy: Is it a Component of Gulf War Illness?

Abstract

The term small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) refers to body-wide dysfunction and degeneration of small-diameter axons that transmit pain and control the body s autonomic functions. The vague, widespread symptoms of SFPN overlap substantially with those of Gulf War Illness (GWI). We propose that there may be a SFPN component to GWI. To identify and apply the best tests to diagnose SFPN in Gulf War-ill veterans, we have been recruiting, screening, and testing normal control subjects and patients with definite SFPN to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the best current and potential new tests. We are now applying and comparing the best tests in Gulf War veterans with and without GWI to identify how often this diagnosable and treatable neurological illness is masquerading as GWI. By doing so, we will not only establish the relationship between GWI and SFPN, but will also determine which tests are the most diagnostically useful. This report summarizes progress against Specific Aims I and II of the basic statement of work.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA567336

Entities

People

  • Anne L. Oaklander

Organizations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Blood Flow
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Sets
  • Databases
  • Department Of Defense
  • Health Services
  • Heart Rate
  • Information Science
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • New England
  • Pain
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome
  • Physicians
  • Regression Analysis

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.