Differential Diagnosis for Abuse of Parenthesia in Both Upper Limbs
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Stroke: The most likely diagnosis for sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in both upper limbs, also known as hemiparesis or quadriparesis, depending on the extent of the weakness. This is due to the high prevalence of stroke and its potential to cause sudden and significant neurological deficits.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma to the spinal cord can result in weakness or paralysis of both upper limbs, depending on the level and severity of the injury.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause ascending paralysis, starting in the lower limbs and potentially affecting the upper limbs as well.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including weakness or paralysis in both upper limbs.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Compression: A serious condition that requires prompt medical attention, as it can cause permanent neurological damage if left untreated. Causes include trauma, tumors, and infections.
- Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause fluctuating muscle weakness, including in both upper limbs, and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.
- Botulism: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a toxin that can cause muscle weakness, including in both upper limbs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection that can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including weakness or paralysis in both upper limbs, although this is a rare manifestation.
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis: A viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms, including weakness or paralysis in both upper limbs.
- Neurosyphilis: A rare but potentially serious condition caused by the spread of syphilis to the nervous system, which can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including weakness or paralysis in both upper limbs.