•  
  •  

Diabetic Focal Neuropathy

Topic Overview

Diabetic focal neuropathy, sometimes called mononeuropathy, affects a single nerve, most often in the wrist, thigh, or foot. It may also affect the nerves of the back and chest, as well as those that control the eye muscles.

Focal neuropathy is far less common than peripheral or autonomic neuropathy. It occurs mostly in older people with diabetes. Focal neuropathies usually come on suddenly and sometimes improve on their own within 6 to 8 weeks.

Focal neuropathy may cause:

  • Pain in a single, limited area of the body, such as a wrist or foot. When focal neuropathy causes nerve entrapment, soreness and pain may develop gradually over several weeks or months.
  • Pain in and around one of the eyes, trouble moving the eyes, and double vision. This occurs when one of the cranial nerves is affected.
  • Pain that occurs in a band-shaped area around the chest or abdomen.
  • Weakness and pain in the lower back, often extending to the thigh (femoral neuropathy), sometimes causing paralysis.

These symptoms may be caused by other serious conditions. See your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, you are also more likely to get focal neuropathy from pressure points. To avoid creating pressure points:

  • Don't cross either one of your legs over the other knee.
  • Don't lean your elbows on hard surfaces.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
Last Revised April 12, 2012

Last Revised: April 12, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.