Mononeuropathy is the compression of a single nerve that causes loss of movement, numbness or loss of other functions. This develops as the result of damage to the myelin sheath which is the covering of the nerve or part of the nerve. There are several causes to this which can include an injury, systemic disorder, long-term pressure on the nerve which all prevents the normal signal transmissions through the damaged nerves. Mononeuropathy can occur with the problem on the nerve anywhere in the body but commonly affects the nerves close to the skin and the bone. The common symptoms of mononeuropathy include loss of sensation, weakness, pain, muscle wasting, paralysis or difficulty moving, lack of coordination, loss of reflexes and muscle twitching. Some of the types of mononeuropathy include axillary nerve dysfunction, Carpal tunnel syndrome, cranial mononeuropathy VI, sciatic nerve dysfunction and femoral neuropathy.
Axillary nerve dysfunction
This is a type of peripheral neuropathy that develops as the result of damage to the nerve which causes loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder. Some of the conditions that can cause axillary nerve dysfunction include shoulder dislocation, improper use of crutches, deep infection or nerve inflammation. The symptoms include numbness over the outer shoulder and its weakness, particularly when lifting the arm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This condition develops because of excessive pressure on the median nerve which is the nerve in the wrist that is responsible for sensations and movement of the hand. Carpal tunnel is located on the wrist where the nerve enters which is like a narrow tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling sensation, weakness or muscle damage of the fingers or hand. Some of the affected individuals may be born with a small carpal tunnel. Some of the factors that can cause this syndrome include infections, tumor growing in the wrist, bone fractures and rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms include weakness, numbness, clumsiness of the hand, pain that extends to the elbow and problems with finger movement.
Cranial mononeuropathy VI
This is the condition that affects the normal function of the sixth cranial nerve. Disorders of this condition can develop with nerve damage from diabetes, stroke, meningitis, trauma, increased pressure in the skull and tumors behind the eye. The symptoms of this include double vision, pain around the eye and headaches.
Sciatic nerve dysfunction
This is caused by the pressure or the injury on the sciatic nerve which can cause weakness, pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the leg. This nerve runs down the back of each leg and controls the muscles of the lower leg and the back of the knee. Some of the common causes of this include slipped disc, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury or tumors. In some cases, the symptoms associated with this condition can cause severe pain so the person becomes unable to move.
Treatment
The treatment for mononeuropathy is based on the nerve that is affected. The treatment can consist of removal of pressure, treating the underlying condition, splints to immobilize the area, corticosteroid injections or with the surgical procedure to relive the pressure when other mode of treatment does not work.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000689.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/mononeuropathy
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000690.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000686.htm
