Multiple mononeuropathy is a nervous system disorder that involves damage to at least two separate nerve areas. Neuropathy means damage to a peripheral nerve.
Multiple mononeuropathy is a form of damage to one or more peripheral nerves. These are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is a group of symptoms (syndrome), not a disease.
However, certain diseases can cause the injury or nerve damage that leads to the symptoms of multiple mononeuropathy. Common conditions include:
Treat the illness that is causing the problem, if possible
Provide supportive care to maintain independence
Control symptoms
To improve independence, treatments may include:
Occupational therapy
Orthopedic help (for example, a wheelchair, braces, and splints)
Physical therapy (for example, exercises and retraining to increase muscle strength)
Vocational therapy
Safety is an important for people with sensation or movement problems. Lack of muscle control and decreased sensation may increase the risk for falls or injuries. Safety measures include:
Having adequate lighting (such as leaving lights on at night)
Installing railings
Removing obstacles (such as loose rugs that may slip on the floor)
Testing water temperature before bathing
Wearing protective shoes (no open toes or high heels)
Check shoes often for grit or rough spots that may injure the feet.
People with decreased sensation should check their feet (or other affected area) often for bruises, open skin areas, or other injuries that may go unnoticed. These injuries may become severely damaged or infected because the pain nerves of the area are not signaling the injury.
People with multiple mononeuropathy are prone to new nerve injuries at pressure points such as the knees and elbows. They should avoid putting pressure on these areas, for example, by not leaning on the elbows, crossing the knees, or holding similar positions for long periods.
Medicines that may help include:
Over-the-counter or prescription pain drugs
Antiseizure or antidepressant drugs to reduce stabbing pains
Outlook (Prognosis)
A full recovery is possible if the cause is found and treated, and if the nerve damage is limited. Some people have no disability. Others have a partial or complete loss of movement, function, or sensation.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
Deformity, loss of tissue or muscle mass
Disturbances of organ functions
Medicine side effects
Repeated or unnoticed injury to the affected area due to lack of sensation
Contact your provider if you notice signs of multiple mononeuropathy.
Prevention
Preventive measures depend on the specific disorder. For example, with diabetes, eating healthy foods and keeping a tight control of blood sugar may help prevent multiple mononeuropathy from developing.
References
Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.
Review Date:
5/2/2022
Reviewed By:
Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. 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.