Mononeuropathy involves damage or destruction of an isolated nerve or nerve group. The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, and compression of the nerve from nearby body structures. This damage slows or prevents conduction of impulses through the nerve. Mononeuropathy may involve any part of the body. Reflexes may be abnormal in the area.
Symptoms are isolated to one nerve area.
Testing may include various blood tests, X-rays, and scans. Treatment is aimed at maximizing the ability to use the affected body part. The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous. If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by sudden onset, minimal sensation changes, and no difficulty in movement, and no test results indicating degeneration of the nerve axon.