Mononeuropathy Health Article

Definition

Mononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve or nerve group, which results in loss of movement or sensation.

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - isolated

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Mononeuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

Mononeuropathy is most often caused by injury, although systemic (body wide) disorders may cause isolated nerve damage. For example, mononeuritis multiplex. Prolonged pressure on the nerve due to swelling or injury can result in mononeuropathy. The covering of the nerve ( myelin sheath) or part of the nerve cell (the axon) is destroyed. This damage slows or prevents signaling through the nerves.

Mononeuropathy may involve any part of the body. Some of the common forms of mononeuropathy include:

• Sciatic nerve dysfunction
• Common peroneal nerve dysfunction
• Radial nerve dysfunction
• Ulnar nerve dysfunction
• Cranial mononeuropathy VI
• Cranial mononeuropathy VII
• Cranial mononeuropathy III compression type
• Cranial mononeuropathy III diabetic type
• Axillary nerve dysfunction
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Femoral nerve dysfunction
• Tibial nerve dysfunction

Symptoms

• Numbness, decreased sensation
• Tingling, burning, pain, abnormal sensations
• Loss of sensation
• Weakness
• Paralysis (total loss of movement)

Note: Symptoms are isolated to one part of the body.

Signs and tests

Neuromuscular examination may show which nerve is involved. Reflexes may be abnormal in the area.

Tests may include:

• EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
• Nerve conduction tests
• Nerve biopsy

Testing may also include various blood tests, x-rays, and imaging scans.