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Mononeuropathy multiplex; Multifocal neuropathy; Peripheral neuropathy - mononeuritis multiplex
The goals of treatment are to:
To improve independence, treatments may include:
Safety is an important consideration for people with sensation or movement difficulties. Lack of muscle control and decreased sensation may increase the risk of falls or injuries. Safety measures for people with movement difficulty include:
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 infected because the pain nerves of the area are not signaling the injury.
People with mononeuropathy multiplex are prone to new nerve injuries at pressure points such as 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.
Medications that may help include:
Whenever possible, avoid or minimize the use of medications to reduce the risk of side effects.
Positioning (the use of frames to keep bedclothes off of a tender body part) and other measures may help control pain. Autonomic symptoms can be difficult to treat or respond poorly to treatment.
If the cause can be found and successfully treated, and if damage is limited, a full recovery is possible. The amount of disability can range from no disability, to partial or complete loss of movement, function, or sensation.
Nerve pain may be quite uncomfortable and can last for a long time. If this occurs, see a pain specialist to ensure that all pain treatment options are available to you.
Call your health care provider if you notice signs of mononeuritis multiplex.
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 446.
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