Differential Diagnosis of Left Foot Drop

The differential diagnosis of left foot drop can be organized into the following categories:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Peroneal nerve palsy: This is the most common cause of foot drop, resulting from compression or damage to the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles responsible for lifting the foot.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • L5 radiculopathy: Compression or damage to the L5 nerve root can cause foot drop, as this nerve root supplies the muscles involved in foot dorsiflexion.
  • Stroke or cerebral vasculature accident (CVA): A stroke can cause foot drop if the area of the brain responsible for motor control of the lower extremities is affected.
  • Muscular dystrophy: Certain types of muscular dystrophy, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, can cause progressive muscle weakness, including foot drop.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Cauda equina syndrome: This is a serious condition caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lower spine, which can lead to foot drop, as well as other symptoms such as bladder and bowel dysfunction.
  • Spinal cord compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause foot drop, as well as other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower extremities.
  • Tumor or cyst compressing the peroneal nerve or nerve roots: A tumor or cyst can compress the peroneal nerve or nerve roots, leading to foot drop.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, including foot drop.
  • Poliomyelitis: A viral infection that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis, including foot drop.
  • Diabetic amyotrophy: A condition caused by diabetes that can lead to muscle weakness and wasting, including foot drop.
  • Neurosyphilis: A condition caused by syphilis infection of the nervous system, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including foot drop.