Life Science Encyclopedia

Mononeuropathy (or "mononeuritis") is a type of neuropathy that only affects a single peripheral or cranial nerve. It is diagnostically useful to distinguish them from peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy because the limitation in scope makes it more likely that the cause is a localized trauma or infection.

The "pins-and-needles" sensation of one's "foot falling asleep" (paresthesia) can be caused by a type of mononeuropathy, albeit a temporary one which can be resolved merely by moving around and adjusting to a more appropriate position.

Examples of mononeuropathies

• Limbs
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome - Brachial plexus (varies)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome - Median nerve
  • Radial neuropathy - Radial nerve
  • Winged scapula - Long thoracic nerve (usually)
  • Meralgia paraesthetica - Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Tibial nerve

• Facial (note: although these are conditions which affect only a single nerve, they are less frequently called "mononeuropathies" than the conditions above)
  • Oculomotor nerve palsy - Oculomotor nerve (III)
  • Fourth nerve palsy - Trochlear nerve (IV)
  • Sixth nerve palsy - Abducens nerve (VI)
  • Bell's palsy - Facial nerve (VII)

See also

• Polyneuropathy