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Diabetic neuropathy types: Symptoms tell the story

Mononeuropathy (focal neuropathy)

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 lessen 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 stomach 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 hands, especially in your thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger
  • Loss of strength with a sense of weakness in your hand and a tendency to drop things

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of reducing complications.