Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy involves damage to a specific nerve. The nerve may be in the face, torso or leg. Mononeuropathy, which may also be called focal neuropathy, often comes on suddenly. It's most common in older adults.

Although mononeuropathy can cause severe pain, it usually doesn't cause any long-term problems. Symptoms usually diminish and disappear on their own over a few weeks or months. Signs and symptoms depend on which nerve is involved, and may include:

• Difficulty focusing your eyes, double vision or aching behind one eye
• Paralysis on one side of your face (Bell's palsy)
• Pain in your shin or foot
• Pain in the front of your thigh
• Chest or abdominal pain

Sometimes mononeuropathy occurs when a nerve is compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of compression neuropathy in people with diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand, especially in your thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger
• A sense of weakness in your hand and a tendency to drop things

Be sure to discuss any neuropathy symptoms with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling symptoms and preventing more-severe problems.