Mononeuropathy

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Mononeuropathy Treatment

Treatment is aimed at maximizing the ability to use the affected body part. The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous. Vascular lesions (injuries to an artery) can often affect a single nerve, and in these cases the cause of the vasculopathy (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) should be treated.

If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated if there was sudden onset, minimal sensation changes, no difficulty in movement, and no test results indicating degeneration of the nerve axon.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve in some cases. Surgical intervention is indicated if the symptoms are caused by entrapment of the nerve. Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve may help in some cases.

CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS:
Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Various other medications may reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience, including gabapentin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Whenever possible, the use of these drugs should be avoided or minimized to reduce the risk of medication side effects.

Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate for some people to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic assistance may maximize the ability to use the affected body part. This may include the use of braces, splints, or other appliances.

Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, occupational changes, job retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended if appropriate.