Mononeuritis multiplex

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Central nervous system

Mononeuropathy multiplex; Multifocal neuropathy; Peripheral neuropathy - mononeuritis multiplex

Symptoms will depend on the specific nerves involved, and may include:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of sensation in one or more areas of the body
• Paralysis in one or more areas of the body
• Tingling, burning, pain, or other abnormal sensations in one or more areas of the body
• Weakness in one or more areas of the body

A detailed history is needed to determine the possible cause of the disorder. Examination and neuromuscular testing may show a loss of feeling and movement due to problems with specific nerves. Reflexes may be abnormal.

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To diagnose mononeuritis multiplex, there usually needs to be problems with two or more unrelated nerve areas. Common nerves affected are the:

• Axillary nerve in either arm and shoulder
• Common peroneal nerve in the lower leg
• Distal median nerve to the hand
• Femoral nerve in the thigh
• Radial nerve in the arm
• Sciatic nerve in the back of the leg
• Ulnar nerve in the arm

Tests may include:

• Electromyogram (EMG, a recording of electrical activity in the muscles)
• Nerve biopsy to examine the nerve under a microscope
• Nerve conduction tests to measure how fast nerve impulses move along the nerve

Other tests may include:

• Antinuclear antibody panel (ANA)
• Blood chemistry tests
• C-reactive protein
• Imaging scans
• Pregnancy test
• Rheumatoid factor
• Sedimentation rate
• Thyroid tests
• X-rays

Review Date: 09/13/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).