Neurapraxia typically presents with which combination?

Neurapraxia typically presents with which combination?

• A. Paresthesia and weakness
• B. Severe muscle atrophy
• C. Chronic numbness
• D. No sensory changes

Answer: (A)

Neurapraxia is the mildest form of nerve injury where the axon remains intact but there is a transient block of nerve conduction due to focal demyelination, often from compression or traction. This produces both sensory and motor signs, most commonly paresthesias (tingling or numbness) and weakness in the affected area. Because the axon is preserved, there isn’t significant muscle fiber loss, so atrophy is not a prominent feature and recovery tends to occur once the compression or irritation is relieved, usually within days to weeks. More severe nerve injuries that disrupt the axon (axonotmesis or neurotmesis) show marked muscle atrophy and more lasting deficits, which is why that option isn’t appropriate here. Chronic numbness would suggest ongoing or longer-standing disruption rather than the typically transient demyelination of neurapraxia. No sensory changes is inconsistent because sensory symptoms like paresthesias are common with neurapraxia.

Neurapraxia is the mildest form of nerve injury where the axon remains intact but there is a transient block of nerve conduction due to focal demyelination, often from compression or traction. This produces both sensory and motor signs, most commonly paresthesias (tingling or numbness) and weakness in the affected area. Because the axon is preserved, there isn’t significant muscle fiber loss, so atrophy is not a prominent feature and recovery tends to occur once the compression or irritation is relieved, usually within days to weeks. More severe nerve injuries that disrupt the axon (axonotmesis or neurotmesis) show marked muscle atrophy and more lasting deficits, which is why that option isn’t appropriate here. Chronic numbness would suggest ongoing or longer-standing disruption rather than the typically transient demyelination of neurapraxia. No sensory changes is inconsistent because sensory symptoms like paresthesias are common with neurapraxia.