Which term describes a nerve injury with little to no axonal damage and full recovery?

Which term describes a nerve injury with little to no axonal damage and full recovery?

• A. Axonotmesis
• B. Neurotmesis
• C. Neuropraxia
• D. Neurapraxia

Answer: (C)

Neuropraxia represents a temporary block of nerve conduction caused by focal demyelination or compression, while the axon itself remains intact. Because the axon is preserved, there is no Wallerian degeneration, and once the myelin recovers and the block resolves, full function typically returns—often within days to weeks. This is why it’s the best description for an injury with little to no axonal damage and complete recovery. In contrast, axonotmesis involves damage to the axon itself but with the surrounding connective tissue framework still intact, so regrowth can occur along the intact pathways but takes time and may not be complete. Neurotmesis means a complete nerve disruption, usually with poor spontaneous recovery unless surgical repair is performed. A common spelling variant for the same concept is neurapraxia, but the standard term is neuropraxia.

Neuropraxia represents a temporary block of nerve conduction caused by focal demyelination or compression, while the axon itself remains intact. Because the axon is preserved, there is no Wallerian degeneration, and once the myelin recovers and the block resolves, full function typically returns—often within days to weeks. This is why it’s the best description for an injury with little to no axonal damage and complete recovery.

In contrast, axonotmesis involves damage to the axon itself but with the surrounding connective tissue framework still intact, so regrowth can occur along the intact pathways but takes time and may not be complete. Neurotmesis means a complete nerve disruption, usually with poor spontaneous recovery unless surgical repair is performed. A common spelling variant for the same concept is neurapraxia, but the standard term is neuropraxia.