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What is Focal Neuropathy?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Focal neuropathy, also known as mononeuropathy, affects a single nerve in the body, causing it to stop working properly. It most often occurs in diabetic patients, though it is the rarest of the four neuropathies that a diabetic patient may experience. Focal neuropathy occurs when one nerve stops sending information correctly between the body and the brain and can result in sudden pain and other symptoms. While there is no technical cure for this neuropathy, it typically resolves itself in a few days or months, and certain medications can be prescribed to lessen symptoms.

Focal neuropathy is one of four neuropathies that typically only affect diabetic patients, with the other three being peripheral, autonomic, and proximal neuropathy. Focal neuropathy is found most often in older patients with diabetes and can be caused by excess body weight and unmaintained blood sugar. The most common diabetes patients who experience focal neuropathy are those who have had the disease for 25 years or more. As diabetes is being diagnosed at much younger ages, diabetic patients are often experiencing this neuropathy earlier in life.

An EEG test may be used to study electrical activity in a patient's brain to identify nerve activity that leads to focal neuropathy.
An EEG test may be used to study electrical activity in a patient's brain to identify nerve activity that leads to focal neuropathy.

Nerves in the body operate by sending signals to the brain, thereby telling the brain how the body feels and how the body needs to move. When only one of these nerves stops working correctly, it is known as focal neuropathy. When receiving incorrect information from the nerve, the brain can cause the body to experience sudden and oftentimes debilitating symptoms. The most common of these is severe pain, usually in the eyes, head, upper body, or legs. It can also cause double vision, difficulty focusing the eyes, lower back pain, and paralysis of one side of the face, also known as Bell’s palsy.

Anti-seizure drugs are sometimes prescribed to lessen the symptoms of focal neuropathy.
Anti-seizure drugs are sometimes prescribed to lessen the symptoms of focal neuropathy.

While this neuropathy does tend to improve, the symptoms often associated with it can be difficult for a patient to handle while the nerve repairs itself. The most common medications used to treat the symptoms of this nerve disorder are anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, pain drugs, and pain patches. Maintaining blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising safely and regularly can also help focal neuropathy to resolve itself much more quickly. It can also help to lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Focal neuropathy can cause lower back pain.
Focal neuropathy can cause lower back pain.

The onset of this neuropathy and its symptoms are usually sudden and severe; there is usually no lasting damage to the body, however. Despite this, it can significantly hinder quality of life and ability to perform day-to-day tasks. Being vigilant about maintaining blood sugar levels and reducing body fat are two ways to avoid developing focal neuropathy.

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    • An EEG test may be used to study electrical activity in a patient's brain to identify nerve activity that leads to focal neuropathy.
      By: Tobilander
      An EEG test may be used to study electrical activity in a patient's brain to identify nerve activity that leads to focal neuropathy.
    • Anti-seizure drugs are sometimes prescribed to lessen the symptoms of focal neuropathy.
      By: Wynter
      Anti-seizure drugs are sometimes prescribed to lessen the symptoms of focal neuropathy.
    • Focal neuropathy can cause lower back pain.
      By: amasterimage
      Focal neuropathy can cause lower back pain.
    • Focal neuropathy may cause severe pain and difficulty focusing the eyes.
      By: JackF
      Focal neuropathy may cause severe pain and difficulty focusing the eyes.
    • Focal neuropathy may cause some individuals to experience double vision.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Focal neuropathy may cause some individuals to experience double vision.
    • Focal neuropathy occurs when a single nerve cells stops sending information to the rest of the body.
      By: joshya
      Focal neuropathy occurs when a single nerve cells stops sending information to the rest of the body.
    • Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can result in focal neuropathy.
      By: Monkey Business
      Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can result in focal neuropathy.
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the fingers, wrist and forearm, is one of the most common types of focal neuropathy.
      By: waxart
      Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the fingers, wrist and forearm, is one of the most common types of focal neuropathy.