injuries into three broad categories: neuropraxia, neurotmesis, and axonotmesis. Neuropraxia is the most common form of injury associated with Bell's palsy, and it is characterized by paralysis without a degeneration of the peripheral nerve. Electroneuronography would yield a normal or mildly impaired response, as the nerve fibers are still whole but unresponsive to conscious control. Neurotmesis is regarded as the worst possible outcome, with electroneuronography readings equivalent to a flat line, or no response to stimulation. This represents total degradation of the facial nerve. Lastly, axonotmesis consists of damage to the inner nerve fibers while the outer covering remains whole, and also yields a flat line in response to stimulation. Because of their similar recordings, electroneuronography cannot, by itself, distinguish between the latter two forms of nerve injury. See also Electromyography Electromyoneurography Bell's palsy Microneurography Wallerian degeneration Neuropraxia Neurotmesis Axonotmesis References Chung, Won-Ho; Lee, Jong-Chan; Cho, Do Yeon; Won, Eun Young; Cho, Yang-Sun; Hong, Sung Hwa. (2004). Waveform reliability with different recording electrode placement in facial electroneuronography. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 118(6), 421–425. Haig, A.J.; Yamakawa, K.; Kendall, R.; Miner, J.; Parres, C.M.; Harris, M. (2006). Assessment of the validity of masking in electrodiagnostic research. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(6), 475–481. Choi, Seung-Ho; Yoon, Tae Hyun; Lee, Kwang-Sun; Ahn, Joong Ho; Chung, Jong Woo. (2007). Blepharokymographic analysis of eyelid motion in Bell's palsy. Laryngoscope, 117(2), 308–312. Haig, A.J.; Tong, H.C.; Yamakawa, K.; Quint, D.J.; Hoff, J.T.; Chiodo, A.; Miner, J.A.; Choksi, V.R.; Geisser, M.E. (2005). The sensitivity and specificity of electrodiagnostic testing for the clinical syndrome of lumbar spinal stenosis. Spine, 30(23), 2667–2676. Jackson, C.G., von Doersten, P.G.: The Facial Nerve. Current Trends in Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation. Med Clin North Am., 83:1, 179–195. Jan. 1999 Beck, D.L., Benecke, J.E., Electroneurography: Electrical Evaluation of the Facial Nerve. J. Am. Acad. Audiol, 4: 109-115 (1993). Kimura, M., Nakagawa, I, Miimai. H., Hamada, H, Sakai, A., and Yasuuji, M.: Evaluation with blink reflex of bilateral facial palsy. Masui, 49:2, 159–162. Feb. 2000. Park, Hun Yi; Kim, Sung Huhn; Son, Eun Jin; Lee, Ho-Ki; Lee, Won-Sang. (2007). Intracanalicular facial nerve schwannoma. Otology & Neurotology, 28(3), 376–380. de Bisschop, G., Sarabian, A., de Bisschop E., Sarabian N.: Selection of electrophysiological investigations for diagnosis in idiopathic facial palsy. Twenty years experience in an ENT department. Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord), 119:2, 75–85. 1998. Rimpilainen, I., Eskola, H., Laippala, P., Karma, P.: