Neuropathy - isolated
Key points
- Mononeuropathy involves loss of movement or sensation to an area caused by damage to a single nerve or nerve group.
- Mononeuropathy involves damage or destruction of an isolated nerve or nerve group.
- Neuromuscular examination of the affected area may indicate which nerve is involved.
- Treatment is aimed at maximizing the ability to use the affected body part.
Alternative names
Mononeuropathy
Definition
Mononeuropathy involves loss of movement or sensation to an area caused by damage to a single nerve or nerve group.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Mononeuropathy involves damage or destruction of an isolated nerve or nerve group. It is a type of peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
Mononeuropathy is most often caused by damage to a local area resulting from injury or trauma, although occasionally systemic disorders may cause isolated nerve damage (as with mononeuritis multiplex). The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, and compression of the nerve by swelling or injury to nearby body structures.
The damage includes destruction of the myelin sheath (covering) of the nerve or of part of the nerve cell (the axon). This damage slows or prevents conduction of impulses through the nerve.
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
- Impairment of sensation in a body part supplied by a specific nerve
o Numbness, decreased sensation
o Tingling, burning, pain, abnormal sensations
o Loss of sensation - Impairment of movement in one muscle supplied by a specific nerve
o Weakness
o Paralysis (total loss of movement)
Note: Symptoms are isolated to one location.
Signs and tests
Neuromuscular examination of the affected area may indicate which nerve is involved. Reflexes may be abnormal in the area. Symptoms are isolated to one nerve area.
Frequently asked questions
What is neuropathy?
Mononeuropathy involves loss of movement or sensation to an area caused by damage to a single nerve or nerve group.
What are the risk factors for neuropathy?
Mononeuropathy involves damage or destruction of an isolated nerve or nerve group. It is a type of peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). Mononeuropathy is most often caused by damage to a local area resulting from injury or trauma, although occasionally systemic disorders may cause isolated nerve damage (as with mononeuritis multiplex). The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, and compression of the nerve by swelling or injury to nearby body structures. The damage includes destruction of the myelin sheath (covering) of the nerve or of part of the nerve cell (the axon).
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
- Impairment of sensation in a body part supplied by a specific nerve o Numbness, decreased sensation o Tingling, burning, pain, abnormal sensations o Loss of sensation
- Impairment of movement in one muscle supplied by a specific nerve o Weakness o Paralysis (total loss of movement) Note: Symptoms are isolated to one location.
How is neuropathy treated?
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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