BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuMultiple mononeuropathyMononeuritis multiplex; Mononeuropathy multiplex; Multifocal neuropathy; Peripheral neuropathy - mononeuritis multiplexMultiple mononeuropathy is a nervous system disorder that involves damage to at least two separate nerve areas. Neuropathy means damage to a peripheral nerve. Causes 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:Blood vessel diseases such as polyarteritis nodosa Polyarteritis nodosaPolyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (the most common cause in children) Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DiabetesDiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Less common causes include:Amyloidosis, an abnormal buildup of proteins in tissues and organs AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood disorders (such as hypereosinophilia and cryoglobulinemia) Infections such as Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis Lyme diseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of one of several types of ticks.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leprosy LeprosyLeprosy is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This disease causes skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that gets worse...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoidosis, which also may cause inflammation of the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndrome, a disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, an inflammation of the blood vesselGranulomatosis with polyangiitisGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed. This leads to damage in major organs of the body. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms depend on the specific nerves involved, and may include:Loss of bladder or bowel control Loss of sensation in one or more areas of the body Paralysis in one or more areas of the body ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tingling, burning, pain, or other abnormal sensations in one or more areas of the body Weakness in one or more areas of the body Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms, focusing on the nervous system.To diagnose this syndrome, there usually needs to be problems with two or more unrelated nerve areas. Common nerves affected are the:Axillary nerve in either arm or shoulder Axillary nerveAxillary nerve dysfunction is nerve damage that can lead to a loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common peroneal nerve in the lower leg Common peroneal nerveCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg. This conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Distal median nerve to the hand Distal median nerveDistal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands. A common type of distal me...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Femoral nerve in the thigh Femoral nerveFemoral nerve dysfunction is a loss of movement or sensation in parts of the legs due to damage to the femoral nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radial nerve in the arm Radial nerveRadial nerve dysfunction is a problem with the radial nerve. This is the nerve that travels from the armpit down the back of the arm to the hand. I...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sciatic nerve in the back of the leg Sciatic nerveSciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulnar nerve in the arm Ulnar nerveUlnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with one of the nerves that travel from the shoulder to the hand, called the ulnar nerve. It helps you move you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests may include:Electromyogram (EMG, a recording of electrical activity in the muscles) ElectromyogramElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to examine a piece of the nerve under a microscope Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests to measure how fast nerve impulses move along the nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests, such as x-rays Blood tests that may be done include:Antinuclear antibody panel (ANA) Antinuclear antibody panelThe antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry tests C-reactive protein C-reactive proteinC-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation in the body. It is one of a group of proteins,...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging scans Pregnancy test Rheumatoid factor Rheumatoid factorRheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sedimentation rate Sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid tests X-rays Treatment The goals of treatment are to: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 Relationship problems due to erectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunctionAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional 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.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji 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.Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.AllVideoImagesTogCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustration Tests for Multiple mononeuropathy ElectromyographyRelated Information Peripheral neuropathy(Condition)Polyarteritis nodosa(Condition)Rheumatoid arthritis(Condition)Systemic lupus erythematosus(Condition)Sjogren syndrome(Condition)Granulomatosis with polyangiitis(Condition)Leprosy(Condition)Sarcoidosis(Condition)Primary amyloidosis(Condition)Diabetes and nerve damage(Condition)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth)Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth(In-Depth)Erectile dysfunction - InDepth(In-Depth) 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Multiple mononeuropathyMononeuritis multiplex; Mononeuropathy multiplex; Multifocal neuropathy; Peripheral neuropathy - mononeuritis multiplexMultiple mononeuropathy is a nervous system disorder that involves damage to at least two separate nerve areas. Neuropathy means damage to a peripheral nerve. Causes 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:Blood vessel diseases such as polyarteritis nodosa Polyarteritis nodosaPolyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (the most common cause in children) Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DiabetesDiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Less common causes include:Amyloidosis, an abnormal buildup of proteins in tissues and organs AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood disorders (such as hypereosinophilia and cryoglobulinemia) Infections such as Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis Lyme diseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of one of several types of ticks.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leprosy LeprosyLeprosy is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This disease causes skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that gets worse...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoidosis, which also may cause inflammation of the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndrome, a disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, an inflammation of the blood vesselGranulomatosis with polyangiitisGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed. This leads to damage in major organs of the body. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms depend on the specific nerves involved, and may include:Loss of bladder or bowel control Loss of sensation in one or more areas of the body Paralysis in one or more areas of the body ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tingling, burning, pain, or other abnormal sensations in one or more areas of the body Weakness in one or more areas of the body Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms, focusing on the nervous system.To diagnose this syndrome, there usually needs to be problems with two or more unrelated nerve areas. Common nerves affected are the:Axillary nerve in either arm or shoulder Axillary nerveAxillary nerve dysfunction is nerve damage that can lead to a loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common peroneal nerve in the lower leg Common peroneal nerveCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg. This conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Distal median nerve to the hand Distal median nerveDistal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands. A common type of distal me...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Femoral nerve in the thigh Femoral nerveFemoral nerve dysfunction is a loss of movement or sensation in parts of the legs due to damage to the femoral nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radial nerve in the arm Radial nerveRadial nerve dysfunction is a problem with the radial nerve. This is the nerve that travels from the armpit down the back of the arm to the hand. I...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sciatic nerve in the back of the leg Sciatic nerveSciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulnar nerve in the arm Ulnar nerveUlnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with one of the nerves that travel from the shoulder to the hand, called the ulnar nerve. It helps you move you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests may include:Electromyogram (EMG, a recording of electrical activity in the muscles) ElectromyogramElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to examine a piece of the nerve under a microscope Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests to measure how fast nerve impulses move along the nerve Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests, such as x-rays Blood tests that may be done include:Antinuclear antibody panel (ANA) Antinuclear antibody panelThe antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry tests C-reactive protein C-reactive proteinC-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation in the body. It is one of a group of proteins,...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging scans Pregnancy test Rheumatoid factor Rheumatoid factorRheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sedimentation rate Sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid tests X-rays Treatment The goals of treatment are to: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 Relationship problems due to erectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunctionAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional 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.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji 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.Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.