Differential Diagnosis for Extremities Burning Pain and Weakness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diabetic Neuropathy: This condition is a common cause of burning pain and weakness in the extremities, especially in patients with a history of diabetes. The 5-week duration of symptoms is consistent with the gradual onset of diabetic neuropathy.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a broad category of disorders that can cause burning pain and weakness in the extremities. Causes can include vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxins.
- Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of nerve roots in the spine can cause burning pain and weakness in the extremities, especially if the symptoms are unilateral or follow a specific dermatomal pattern.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty walking, especially in patients with a history of smoking or cardiovascular disease.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid onset of weakness and paralysis. Although less likely, it is crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its high morbidity and mortality if left untreated.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause burning pain, weakness, and difficulty walking, and is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels can cause a range of symptoms, including burning pain and weakness in the extremities, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): This is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that can cause progressive weakness and paralysis, but is typically characterized by a more gradual onset of symptoms.
- Leprosy: This is a rare infectious disease that can cause burning pain and weakness in the extremities, but is typically associated with skin lesions and other systemic symptoms.
- Tangier Disease: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause burning pain and weakness in the extremities, but is typically associated with other systemic symptoms such as orange tonsils and hepatosplenomegaly.