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'''Neurapraxia''' is a type of [[nerve damage]] that occurs due to a blockage in nerve conduction, typically lasting for a period of time but not permanently. This condition is often associated with [[sports injuries]] and other forms of physical trauma.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Neurapraxia
| image                  = [[File:US_Navy_051203-N-9769P-549_Navy_slot_back_Reggie_Campbell_(7)_of_Sanford,_Fla.,_tackles_Army_Running_Back_Scott_Wesley_(82)_during_a_punt_return_during_the_106th_Army_vs._Navy_Football_game_held_for_the_third_consecutive_year_a.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Neurapraxia can occur in contact sports due to sudden impact.
| field                  = [[Neurology]]
| synonyms                =
| symptoms                = Loss of motor and sensory function
| complications          =
| onset                  = Sudden
| duration                = Temporary
| causes                  = [[Trauma (medicine)|Trauma]], [[compression (physics)|compression]]
| risks                  = Contact sports, repetitive motion
| diagnosis              = [[Clinical examination]], [[Electromyography]]
| differential            = [[Axonotmesis]], [[Neurotmesis]]
| treatment              = Rest, physical therapy
| prognosis              = Good, full recovery expected
| frequency              = Common in athletes
}}
'''Neurapraxia''' is a type of [[peripheral nerve injury]] that is characterized by a temporary loss of motor and sensory function due to blockage of nerve conduction. It is the mildest form of nerve injury and is often caused by compression or ischemia.
== Pathophysiology ==
Neurapraxia occurs when there is a disruption in the conduction of the nerve impulse along the nerve fiber. This disruption is usually due to a localized injury that affects the [[myelin sheath]] but leaves the [[axon]] intact. The injury results in a temporary loss of function, but the nerve structure remains preserved, allowing for full recovery over time.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Neurapraxia is most commonly caused by [[trauma]] to the nerve, often as a result of a sports injury. Other potential causes include [[pressure]] on the nerve, [[hypoxia]] (lack of oxygen), and [[ischemia]] (lack of blood flow).
Neurapraxia is commonly caused by:
 
* [[Compression]] of the nerve, such as from a [[tourniquet]] or tight bandage.
* [[Ischemia]], which is a lack of blood supply to the nerve.
* [[Trauma]], such as a blow or impact that compresses the nerve.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The primary symptom of neurapraxia is a sudden loss of sensation or motor function in the area supplied by the affected nerve. This can include [[numbness]], [[tingling]], or [[weakness]]. In severe cases, it may result in temporary [[paralysis]].
The symptoms of neurapraxia include:
 
* Loss of motor function in the affected area.
* Loss of sensation or numbness.
* Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of neurapraxia typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests, such as [[nerve conduction studies]] and [[electromyography]], may also be used.
Diagnosis of neurapraxia is typically made through clinical examination and patient history. [[Electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction studies]] can be used to assess the extent of the nerve injury and to differentiate neurapraxia from more severe nerve injuries such as [[axonotmesis]] or [[neurotmesis]].
 
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for neurapraxia primarily involves rest and avoiding activities that could further damage the nerve. In some cases, [[physical therapy]] may be recommended to help restore function. If the cause of the neurapraxia is a structural issue, such as a [[herniated disc]], surgery may be required.
Treatment for neurapraxia focuses on relieving the cause of the nerve compression and allowing time for recovery. This may include:
 
* Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
* Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
* Pain management with medications if necessary.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for neurapraxia is generally good, with most patients experiencing a full recovery within a few weeks to months. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on the severity of the nerve damage and the individual's overall health.
The prognosis for neurapraxia is generally excellent, with most patients experiencing full recovery within weeks to months. The recovery time depends on the severity of the compression and the duration of the injury.
 
== See Also ==
== See also ==
* [[Peripheral nerve injury]]
* [[Nerve injury]]
* [[Axonotmesis]]
* [[Nerve conduction study]]
* [[Neurotmesis]]
* [[Electromyography]]
* [[Myelin]]
 
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Peripheral nervous system disorders]]
[[Category:Sports injuries]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
 
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Neurapraxia_image.jpg|Neurapraxia
File:US_Navy_051203-N-9769P-549_Navy_slot_back_Reggie_Campbell_(7)_of_Sanford,_Fla.,_tackles_Army_Running_Back_Scott_Wesley_(82)_during_a_punt_return_during_the_106th_Army_vs._Navy_Football_game_held_for_the_third_consecutive_year_a.jpg|Neurapraxia
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 04:57, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Neurapraxia
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Loss of motor and sensory function
Complications
Onset Sudden
Duration Temporary
Types N/A
Causes Trauma, compression
Risks Contact sports, repetitive motion
Diagnosis Clinical examination, Electromyography
Differential diagnosis Axonotmesis, Neurotmesis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Rest, physical therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good, full recovery expected
Frequency Common in athletes
Deaths N/A


Neurapraxia is a type of peripheral nerve injury that is characterized by a temporary loss of motor and sensory function due to blockage of nerve conduction. It is the mildest form of nerve injury and is often caused by compression or ischemia.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Neurapraxia occurs when there is a disruption in the conduction of the nerve impulse along the nerve fiber. This disruption is usually due to a localized injury that affects the myelin sheath but leaves the axon intact. The injury results in a temporary loss of function, but the nerve structure remains preserved, allowing for full recovery over time.

Causes[edit]

Neurapraxia is commonly caused by:

  • Compression of the nerve, such as from a tourniquet or tight bandage.
  • Ischemia, which is a lack of blood supply to the nerve.
  • Trauma, such as a blow or impact that compresses the nerve.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of neurapraxia include:

  • Loss of motor function in the affected area.
  • Loss of sensation or numbness.
  • Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of neurapraxia is typically made through clinical examination and patient history. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can be used to assess the extent of the nerve injury and to differentiate neurapraxia from more severe nerve injuries such as axonotmesis or neurotmesis.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for neurapraxia focuses on relieving the cause of the nerve compression and allowing time for recovery. This may include:

  • Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
  • Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
  • Pain management with medications if necessary.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for neurapraxia is generally excellent, with most patients experiencing full recovery within weeks to months. The recovery time depends on the severity of the compression and the duration of the injury.

See Also[edit]