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Differential Diagnosis for Weakness of FDP, Ulnar, and Bicep

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cervical Radiculopathy (C6-C7): This condition is the most likely diagnosis because the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), ulnar muscles, and biceps are innervated by the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Compression or damage to these roots can lead to weakness in the muscles they supply.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Brachial Plexopathy: This condition can cause weakness in the muscles of the upper limb, including the FDP, ulnar muscles, and biceps, due to damage or compression of the brachial plexus.
  • Ulnar and Musculocutaneous Neuropathy: Simultaneous neuropathy of the ulnar and musculocutaneous nerves can cause weakness in the muscles they supply, including the FDP, ulnar muscles, and biceps.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can cause weakness and atrophy in various muscle groups, including those innervated by the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord, such as from a tumor or herniated disc, can cause weakness, numbness, and paralysis in the muscles below the level of compression, including the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid onset of muscle weakness and paralysis, including in the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.
  • Plexus Tumor: A tumor affecting the brachial plexus can cause weakness and paralysis in the muscles it supplies, including the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Mononeuritis Multiplex: This is a rare condition characterized by damage to multiple peripheral nerves, which can cause weakness and paralysis in the muscles they supply, including the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.
  • Neuralgic Amyotrophy: This is a rare condition characterized by sudden onset of muscle weakness and atrophy, often affecting the muscles of the upper limb, including the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and atrophy, including in the FDP, ulnar, and biceps.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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