Diabetic focal neuropathy.
Diabetic focal neuropathy is also called mononeuropathy, since it affects single
 nerves, especially in the head, torso, chest, abdomen, wrist, thigh, leg or
foot.
The onset of the condition occurs suddenly, more often in elderly diabetics and in most
of the cases, the symptoms gradually disappear within one and a half month, without any
treatment and without causing any complications. Diabetic focal neuropathy is not as
common as other forms of neuropathy, such as peripheral or autonomic neuropathy.
Diabetic focal neuropathy, sometimes, is the clinical aftermath of a nerve entrapment.
This condition occurs, when pressure is applied on the nerve due to inflammation and
swelling of the surrounding tissues. Although this is not associated with diabetes, statistics show that individuals with
the disease are more susceptible to such incidence. Nerve entrapment may cause paresis
(reduced muscle tone), mild neuralgia (sporadic or constant pain in the innervated area)
or hypesthesia (lack of sensation). Apparently, if the original cause remains untreated,
the above symptoms will persist. Carpal
tunnel syndrome, which affects the hand and causes numbness, tingling, soreness, pain
or occasional muscle weakness, is a typical nerve entrapment condition.
Consequences of diabetic focal neuropathy.
Although diabetic focal neuropathy does not cause any severe or permanent
complications, it may have an annoying but temporary impact on a person's daily
activities. Such clinical consequences may include:
 Eye problems. If the relevant
cranial nerves get affected, problems, such as pain or ache, impaired ability of focusing
and double vision may occur.
Unilateral facial
paralysis.
Pain on specific areas of the
body, such as the wrist, lower back, thigh, pelvis, shin, chest or abdomen. Chest or
abdominal pain occasionally is mistakenly interpreted as heart attack or appendicitis
symptom.
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