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Mononeuropathy

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Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - isolated

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

Mononeuropathy is most often caused by injury, although systemic (body wide) disorders may cause isolated nerve damage. For example, mononeuritis multiplex . Prolonged 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 signaling through the nerves.

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

• Review Date: 9/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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