Peripheral Nerve Injury Classification Flashcards

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Study Notes

Peripheral Nerve Injury Classification

Five degrees of nerve injury classification exist, each representing varying levels of damage.

1st Degree Nerve Injury (Neurapraxia)

Characterized by local myelin damage, typically resulting from compression.
Functionally intact nerve fibers; recovery is usually rapid and complete.

2nd Degree Nerve Injury (Axonotmesis)

Involves the severing of the axon while the endoneurium remains intact.
Potential for recovery through regeneration of the axon.

3rd Degree Nerve Injury

Features both axonal and endoneurial tube discontinuity, but perineurium and fasciculi stay intact.
Regeneration is challenging but possible; functional recovery may be hindered.

4th Degree Nerve Injury

Loss encompasses axon, endoneurium, perineurium, and fasciculi, while the epineurium remains intact.
Severe complications arise for recovery; surgical intervention may be required.

5th Degree Nerve Injury (Neurotmesis)

Represents complete disruption of the nerve trunk.
Typically leads to significant functional loss, and surgical repair is necessary for potential recovery.

Terminology

Neurapraxia: Seddon term for 1st-degree injuries, indicating temporary loss of function without anatomical disruption.
Axonotmesis: Refers collectively to 2nd through 4th degree injuries according to Seddon's classification.
Neurotmesis: Seddon's term for 5th-degree injury, indicating the most severe form with total loss of nerve continuity.

Description

Test your knowledge on the classification of peripheral nerve injuries with these flashcards. Each card presents a degree of injury along with a concise definition, helping you understand local myelin damage to complete loss structures. Perfect for students and professionals in neuroscience and medicine.