ABSTRACT
Focal involvement of a single nerve is termed a mononeuropathy, and usually results from local compression or direct injury. Common examples include ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, median neuropathy at the wrist and common peroneal neuropathy at the knee. Isolated cranial nerve palsies are termed ‘cranial mononeuropathies’. Acute painful neuropathy appears to be a distinct entity, with the onset of severe pain distally in the legs associated with progressive weight loss. The burning pains and contact hyperaesthesiae are often particularly troublesome at night, causing insomnia and depression. Multifocal motor neuropathy is an uncommon disorder, but is important as it may resemble the lower motor neurone variant of motor neurone disease. Neuropathy related to leprosy is a readily treatable condition, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any neuropathy – but particularly mononeuropathy or multiple mononeuropathy – in anyone who has come from or travelled in an endemic area.
