From the Guidelines
Neuropraxia is primarily caused by stretch or blunt injury to the nerve, which may not always be visibly detectable [ 1 ].
Common Causes of Neuropraxia
- Surgical procedures: Neuropraxia can occur during surgeries, such as thyroidectomy, due to stretch at the ligament of Berry [ 1 ]
- Trauma: Traumatic injuries, including fractures or dislocations, can also cause neuropraxia
- Nerve compression: Prolonged compression of a nerve, such as during surgical procedures or from improper positioning, can lead to neuropraxia [ 1 ]
Characteristics of Neuropraxia
- Temporary disruption of nerve conduction: Neuropraxia is characterized by a temporary disruption of nerve conduction, which can resolve on its own without specific treatment [ 1 ]
- Recovery time: Symptoms of neuropraxia typically resolve within a few weeks to months, usually 6-12 weeks, without specific treatment, aside from removal of the offending agent or correction of the underlying cause [ 1 ]
From the Research
Causes of Neuropraxia
- Neuropraxia is a type of nerve injury that can occur due to various causes, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, industrial accidents, household accidents, and penetrating trauma 2
- Compression neuropathies, also known as entrapment neuropathies, can cause neuropraxia, often due to mechanical injury, either compression or stretch of the affected nerve 3
- Ischemic and mechanical factors are involved in the development of compression neuropathy, which can lead to neuropraxia 4
- Neuropraxia can also occur as a complication of surgery, such as liver transplantation, particularly with longer duration of surgery 5
- Other causes of neuropraxia include compression due to pseudoaneurysm, such as a false brachial artery aneurysm 6
Mechanisms of Neuropraxia
- The development of compression neuropathy, which can lead to neuropraxia, involves a dose-response curve, where the greater the duration and amount of pressure, the more significant the neural dysfunction 4
- Fibrosis and thickening of the external epineurium and perineurium can interfere with blood flow and produce dynamic ischemia to the nerve fibers, leading to neuropraxia 4
- Decreased neural gliding and movement of the nerve in the extremity can also contribute to the development of neuropraxia 4