Which of the following represents a sign of compartment syndrome involving neural symptoms?

• A. Swelling
• B. Paresthesias and loss of function
• C. Redness
• D. Fever

Answer: (B)

Neural involvement occurs when elevated pressure within a fascial compartment cuts off blood flow enough to irritate or ischemize nerves. The first clear sign of this is changes in sensation and function: paresthesias (tingling or numbness) and loss of motor function in the affected area. These neural symptoms indicate that nerves are being compromised and require urgent assessment and decompression to prevent permanent damage.

Swelling can occur with many conditions and isn’t specific to nerve involvement in compartment syndrome. Redness or fever points toward inflammation or infection rather than nerve ischemia, so they don’t reflect neural compromise in this context.