Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP)
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is a disorder that affects peripheral nerves, causing the nerves to be highly sensitive to pressure.
Symptoms usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood but may develop anytime from childhood to late adulthood. Symptoms vary in severity. While some people never realize they have the disorder, others experience prolonged disability. The most common problem sites involve nerves in the wrists, elbows, and knees; however, the fingers, shoulders, hands, feet, and scalp can also be affected. Symptoms associated with HNPP occur in episodes, due to pressure on any single peripheral nerve. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and/or loss of muscle function (palsy), pain in the limbs (especially the hands), carpal tunnel syndrome (impairing the ability to use the fingers, hands, and wrists), and foot drop (making it hard or impossible to walk, climb stairs, or drive). Some people experience fatigue, generalized weakness, muscle cramps, pain in the muscles or bones, or lower back pain. An episode of symptoms associated with HNPP can last from several minutes to days or even months. Most people completely recover after an episode, but repeated episodes can cause permanent muscle weakness or loss of sensation.
