Differential Diagnosis for Unable to Move Left Leg and Pain in the Back
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Herniated Lumbar Disc: This condition is a common cause of back pain and leg weakness or paralysis, especially if the herniation compresses or irritates the nerve roots that control leg movement. The symptoms can include severe back pain, sciatica, and weakness or paralysis of the affected leg.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can put pressure on the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs. Symptoms can worsen with standing or walking.
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one of the vertebrae slips forward over the bone below it, which can cause nerve compression, leading to back pain and leg symptoms.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Although less common for acute leg paralysis, certain types of peripheral neuropathy can cause significant weakness and pain, especially if there's an underlying condition like diabetes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A serious condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to loss of bladder and bowel control, as well as leg weakness or paralysis. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- Spinal Cord Infarction: A rare but potentially devastating condition where the blood supply to the spinal cord is interrupted, leading to sudden onset of back pain, leg weakness, and possibly paralysis.
- Epidural Abscess: An infection that forms in the space outside the sac that contains the spinal fluid and spinal cord, which can compress the spinal cord and cause neurological deficits, including paralysis and severe back pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spinal Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to back pain and neurological symptoms like leg weakness or paralysis.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An abnormal connection between arteries and veins, which can occur in the spinal cord and lead to neurological symptoms due to compression or steal phenomenon affecting the spinal cord blood supply.
- Inflammatory Conditions like Transverse Myelitis: An inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause back pain, leg weakness, and sensory disturbances, often due to autoimmune diseases or infections.