brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Mononeuropathy
Treatment of Mononeuropathy
Treatment of the cause If pressure is temporary, rest, removal of pressure, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Sometimes corticosteroid injections, a splint, surgery, and/or physical therapy If the cause of a mononeuropathy is a disorder, it is treated. For example, a tumor may be surgically removed. Usually, when temporary pressure is the cause, the following can help relieve symptoms: Resting Not putting pressure on the nerve Placing heat on the affected area Taking NSAIDs, such asibuprofen, to reduce inflammation Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome benefit from Corticosteroids injections into the carpal tunnel. Wrist splints, usually worn at night, are often used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome until the symptoms resolve. These devices reduce wrist movements, which cause inflammation and swelling in the carpal tunnel. Thus, the splints reduce pressure on the nerve, and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome lessen. Wrist splints should not be worn all day because when movement of the wrist is reduced for a long time, the wrist may become stiff and the muscles may waste away. Splints or braces are less helpful for cubital tunnel syndrome. Surgery may be done to relieve pressure on a nerve if the disorder progresses despite other treatments. In such cases, surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually effective. For severe, chronic ulnar nerve palsy, physical therapy helps prevent tightening of muscles. 