Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Mononeuritis - Peripheral Nerve Inflammation or Irritation
1746872914
Peripheral nerve inflammation, or mononeuritis, happens when a single nerve outside the central nervous system becomes irritated or inflamed. This typically causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the area the nerve affects. Think of it like a malfunctioning power cable causing appliances to flicker.
Mononeuritis can have several causes:
Physical Injury: This may occur from hitting, pinching, or compressing a nerve, like when your arm goes numb after sleeping on it awkwardly. Previous Surgery: Scarring from surgical procedures can trap and inflame the nerve, causing discomfort and pain. Diseases and Infections: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infections like Lyme disease can lead to nerve issues. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, being overweight, or repetitive stress can also contribute to this condition.
Doctors may perform physical exams and imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs to diagnose mononeuritis. An EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction study (NCS) might assess nerve and muscle function. Low-volume injections with local anesthetics can temporarily numb specific areas to identify pain sources.
Treatment generally begins with medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain. Physical therapy can improve strength and flexibility. Ablation therapy using heat or cold can offer pain relief for up to six months by disrupting nerve signals. Rarely, surgery might be necessary if the nerve is compressed and cannot be relieved by other treatments. If other methods fail, peripheral nerve stimulation—an implantable device delivering mild electrical pulses to targeted nerves—may be a long-term pain management solution.
FAQs
How is mononeuritis diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose mononeuritis using a combination of physical exams, imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs, and nerve function tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). These assessments help pinpoint the source and extent of nerve damage.
What are the potential risks of untreated peripheral nerve inflammation?
If left untreated, peripheral nerve inflammation can lead to chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, and functional disability. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these complications and maintain quality of life.
What causes peripheral nerve inflammation?
Peripheral nerve inflammation can be caused by several factors, including physical injury (like pinching or compressing a nerve), previous surgical procedures leading to nerve scarring, diseases and infections such as diabetes or Lyme disease, and lifestyle factors like smoking or repetitive stress on the nerves.
What is peripheral nerve inflammation or mononeuritis?
Peripheral nerve inflammation, also known as mononeuritis, occurs when a single peripheral nerve becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the specific area served by the affected nerve.
What treatment options are available for mononeuritis?
Treatment usually begins with medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain, supported by physical therapy to improve mobility and strength. Additional options might include ablation therapy, which uses heat or cold to disrupt nerve signals, and, in severe cases, surgery or implantation of devices for nerve stimulation for long-term pain management.