Which statement is most consistent with neuropraxia?

Which statement is most consistent with neuropraxia?

• A. Heavy pressure upon a nerve
• B. Anesthesia
• C. Stops nerve conduction
• D. Creates conduction latency

Answer: (D)

Neuropraxia is a mild nerve injury in which the axon stays intact but the myelin is briefly disrupted, causing a temporary block of conduction. The defining feature is slowed nerve conduction, reflected as increased latency and slower conduction velocity, rather than a complete halt of signals. Recovery occurs as the myelin heals, usually over days to weeks. So, the statement that best fits neuropraxia is that it creates conduction latency. Heavy pressure can cause neuropraxia, but the hallmark specific to this injury is the slowed conduction (latency) rather than a complete stop of conduction or persistent anesthesia. A complete stop of conduction would suggest more severe nerve damage (like axonotmesis or neurotmesis), and anesthesia implies a more profound loss of sensation not typical of the mild, demyelinating block in neuropraxia.

Neuropraxia is a mild nerve injury in which the axon stays intact but the myelin is briefly disrupted, causing a temporary block of conduction. The defining feature is slowed nerve conduction, reflected as increased latency and slower conduction velocity, rather than a complete halt of signals. Recovery occurs as the myelin heals, usually over days to weeks. So, the statement that best fits neuropraxia is that it creates conduction latency.

Heavy pressure can cause neuropraxia, but the hallmark specific to this injury is the slowed conduction (latency) rather than a complete stop of conduction or persistent anesthesia. A complete stop of conduction would suggest more severe nerve damage (like axonotmesis or neurotmesis), and anesthesia implies a more profound loss of sensation not typical of the mild, demyelinating block in neuropraxia.