What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• IND (Isolated Nerve Dysfunction)
• Isolated Mononeuritis
• Mononeuropathy

What is Isolated Nerve Dysfunction? (Definition/Background Information)

• Isolated Nerve Dysfunction (IND) is a form of nerve dysfunction from nerve injury or compression, which is observed in a single nerve. It is also known as Mononeuropathy, typically when a peripheral nerve is affected. Individuals may experience loss of feeling, numbness and tingling sensation in the involved region, and muscle weaknesses
• Nerve injury or damage may occur due to a variety of conditions/infections, which may affect the transmission of signals to various organs depending on the specific nerve that is involved. This could lead to a specific set of signs and symptoms that may range from nerve pain, decreased sensation, pricking and tingling feeling, and lack of coordination
• Generally, nerves that lie closer to the body surface or around/near a bone are at an increased risk for injury and consequent dysfunction. Depending on the specific nerve affected, the following forms of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction are described:
  • Axillary nerve dysfunction
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Common peroneal nerve dysfunction
  • Femoral nerve dysfunction
  • Mononeuropathy of the cranial nerves III, VI, and VII
  • Pudendal nerve entrapment
  • Radial nerve dysfunction
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Ulnar nerve dysfunction
• The risk factors of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction may include athletic activities, vehicular accidents, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, vasculitis, metabolic disorders, poor nutrition, exposure to certain toxins, and excess alcohol consumption. The condition may be diagnosed through various neurological tests and exams
• The treatment for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction includes treating/managing the underlying cause, physical therapy, administration of medications for symptom control, and surgery, if needed. The prognosis is generally good for mild to moderate cases with appropriate treatment; severe cases may cause irreversible nerve damage and associated complications

Who gets Isolated Nerve Dysfunction? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Isolated Nerve Dysfunction may be seen in individuals of any age group
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction are wide-ranging and may include:

• Direct trauma to the region, from a variety of factors
• Occupational injury; use of power tools causing repeat trauma
• Autoimmune diseases, disorders, and infections such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Lyme disease, HIV infection, syphilis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Participation in athletics and sports activities
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalances
• Kidney disorders
• Vascular disorders
• Hematoma (pocket of blood outside the blood vessels)
• Excess consumption of alcohol
• Vitamin deficiency in the body
• Use of certain medications
• Certain forms of cancer and cancer therapy
• Exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals
• Prolonged exposure to cold or heat

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction? (Etiology)

Any damage to a specific single nerve can adversely affect the body part the nerve is associated with, resulting in a set of related signs and symptoms. This is known as Isolated Nerve Dysfunction. Commonly, the damage occurs from a trauma (cut injury or blunt force), nerve compression, or poor blood supply to the affected region.

The following factors can cause Isolated Nerve Dysfunction:

• Accidents and sports injuries
• Poor diet
• Kidney or liver conditions
• Diabetes
• Alcohol abuse
• Genetic factors
• Autoimmune disorders
• Nerve injury from radiation treatment or chemotherapy

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction?

The signs and symptoms of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction depend on the particular nerve that is affected and the underlying cause, if any. The presentations may be mild or severe and can generally include:

• Dull or sharp pain
• Loss of reflexes
• Loss of sensation
• Pins and needles sensation
• Touch hypersensitivity
• Difficulty standing, walking, moving, or even grasping objects (depending on the region affected)
• Muscle twitching and cramping
• Lack of coordination

How is Isolated Nerve Dysfunction Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction by a healthcare professional may involve the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Blood tests, as needed
• Nerve conduction velocity studies
• Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities
• Some possible tests for sensation such as temperature, touch, and vibration, to assess how well an individual feels or responds to stimuli
• Radiological imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans of the affected region, as necessary
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap test; analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Tests and procedures to diagnose an underlying condition/disorder, if any present
• Biopsy of the nerve, if needed: A tissue biopsy of the affected nerve is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction?

The complications of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction depend on the involved nerve, the body region/organs affected, severity and type of the underlying condition, and lack of appropriate treatment. It may include:

• Debilitating pain
• Constant tingling and numbness in the area surrounding the affected nerves
• Permanent loss of sensation in the affected region; this can result in repeat injury from lack of touch sensation
• Paralysis
• Contracture and stiffening of muscles that the nerve serves
• Inability to participate in sports activities
• Decreased quality of life
• Treatment complications

How is Isolated Nerve Dysfunction Treated?

The treatment options for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction vary depending on the nerve location and extent of nerve damage and symptom severity. It also depends on the underlying cause. Where possible, stopping or avoiding the activity that resulted in the nerve dysfunction is important.

• Mild cases of the nerve dysfunction may be treated using cold/heat compressions, adequate rest, anti-inflammatory agents, use of splints and braces, physical therapy, and stretching exercises, as needed
• Severe cases of nerve dysfunction may be treated with surgery based on the cause. Typically, the surgery will be performed for releasing the nerve pressure
• Peripheral nerve stimulation procedure for pain relief
• Image-guided nerve block procedure, if necessary
• Limiting activities to prevent injury from a loss of sensation

In some individuals, the condition may heal spontaneously even in the absence of any treatment.

How can Isolated Nerve Dysfunction be Prevented?

It may not be possible to effectively prevent Isolated Nerve Dysfunction (IND) in some cases. However, the following steps may be considered:

• Undertaking appropriate treatment of any underlying condition that places one at risk for IND is helpful
• Avoiding any traumatic/repetitive injury that can increase the risk for the condition
• Keeping diabetes and obesity under control through proper dietary measures and adequate physical exercise
• Vitamin supplementation
• Avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals
• Drinking alcohol in moderation

What is the Prognosis of Isolated Nerve Dysfunction? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction is normally dependent on the cause and extent of the nerve damage but is mostly good with adequate treatment. However, the nerve pain and discomfort may last for a long period.

• If the damage is very severe, there may be permanent nerve damage leading to some form of paralysis in the region involved
• However, if the damage is not too severe, then with proper treatment the condition should resolve within a short period and full recovery may be ensured

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Isolated Nerve Dysfunction:

Any injury to the nerves can lead to long term damage if not treated immediately and properly.