Etymed
mononeuropathy
Definition
a neurological condition affecting a single nerve or nerve group
Clinical context
A 65-year-old diabetic patient presents with numbness and weakness in his right hand, specifically in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with sparing of the ring and little fingers. Physical examination reveals decreased sensation in the affected distribution with weakness of thumb flexion and abduction. The patient's symptoms are consistent with isolated median nerve involvement, representing a classic case of mononeuropathy. The patient's longstanding diabetes mellitus is likely the underlying cause of his peripheral neuropathy.
Mnemonic
ONE nerve, ONE problem - Mononeuropathy affects a single nerve, unlike polyneuropathy which affects multiple nerves