Mononeuritis multiplex, also known as mononeuropathy multiplex or multifocal neuropathy, is a specific type of peripheral neuropathy. It is characterized by damage that occurs in at least two different, distinct areas of the peripheral nervous system. This means that multiple individual nerves in various locations throughout the body are affected.
The peripheral nervous system consists of the vast network of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves play a vital role in carrying signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and automatic functions. When these nerves are damaged in a scattered, multifocal pattern, it leads to the symptoms associated with mononeuritis multiplex.
Common symptoms that may arise from mononeuritis multiplex include:
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Pain
- Paralysis
The specific symptoms and their severity can vary depending on which nerves are affected and the extent of the damage. The condition is often recognized by its pattern of affecting different, separate nerves, rather than a single nerve or all nerves uniformly.
