Mononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy; Isolated mononeuritis
Causes
Mononeuropathy is a type of damage to a nerve outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy).
Mononeuropathy is most often caused by injury. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.
Long-term pressure on a 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) may be damaged. This damage slows or prevents signals from traveling through the damaged nerves.
Mononeuropathy may involve any part of the body. Some common forms of mononeuropathy include:
Radial nerve dysfunction (problems with movement in the arm and wrist and with sensation in the back of the arm or hand)
Sciatic nerve dysfunction (problem with the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg, and sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and sole of the foot)
Ulnar nerve dysfunction (cubital tunnel syndrome -- including numbness, tingling, weakness of outer and underside of arm, palm, ring and little fingers)
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the specific nerve affected, and may include:
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and focus on the affected area. A detailed medical history is needed to determine the possible cause of the disorder.
Tests that may be done include:
Electromyogram (EMG) to check the electrical activity in the muscles
The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the affected body part as much as possible.
Some medical conditions make nerves more prone to injury. For example, high blood pressure and diabetes can injure an artery, which can often affect a single nerve. So, the underlying condition should be treated.
Treatment options may include any of the following:
Over the counter painkillers, such as anti-inflammatory medicines for mild pain
Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and similar medicines for chronic pain
Injections of steroid medicines to reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve
Physical therapy exercises to maintain muscle strength
Braces, splints, or other devices to help with movement
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to improve nerve pain associated with diabetes
Outlook (Prognosis)
Mononeuropathy may be disabling and painful. If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, a full recovery is possible in some cases.
Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and last for a long time.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
Deformity, loss of tissue mass
Medicine side effects
Repeated or unnoticed injury to the affected area due to lack of sensation
Prevention
Avoiding pressure or traumatic injury may prevent many forms of mononeuropathy. Treating conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes also decreases the risk of developing the condition.
Review Date:
4/25/2022
Reviewed By:
Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.