Mononeuropathy Health Article

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - isolated

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

Mononeuropathy is most often caused by injury, although body-wide (systemic) disorders (such as mononeuritis multiplex) may cause isolated nerve damage.

Long-term 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 signals from traveling through the nerves.

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

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

Symptoms

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of sensation
• Numbness, decreased sensation
• Paralysis
• Tingling, burning, pain, abnormal sensations
• Weakness

Note: Symptoms are in only one part of the body.

Signs and tests

The health care provider will take a complete history, including any recent injury or exposure to toxins. 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

Additional tests include:

• Antinuclear antibody panel (ANA)
• Blood tests
• C-reactive protein
• Imaging scans
• Rheumatoid factor
• Thyroid tests
• X-rays