Section 6. Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders

Chapter 95. Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Topics: Introduction | Disorders of Muscle Stimulation | Disorders of the Neuromuscular Junction | Plexus Disorders | Thoracic Outlet Syndromes | Mononeuropathy | Mononeuritis Multiplex | Polyneuropathy | Hereditary Neuropathies | Spinal Muscular Atrophies

Mononeuritis Multiplex

Mononeuritis multiplex is the simultaneous malfunction of two or several peripheral nerves in separate areas of the body.

Mononeuritis multiplex, which affects only a few nerves, is usually distinguished from polyneuropathy, which affects many nerves, usually in about the same areas on both sides of the body.

Several disorders can cause mononeuritis multiplex and each disorder produces characteristic symptoms. Diabetes is probably the most common cause of mononeuritis multiplex, although diabetes more commonly causes polyneuropathy. Other common causes of mononeuritis multiplex include polyarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and infections (for example, Lyme disease and HIV infection). Mononeuritis multiplex may result from direct invasion of the nerve by bacteria, as in leprosy. Treatment depends on the cause.