Differential Diagnosis for Facial Droop and Leg Drop in a 3-year-old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause ascending paralysis, which may initially present with facial droop and leg weakness. It's a common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cerebral Palsy with Acquired Brain Injury: Although cerebral palsy is typically non-progressive, an acquired brain injury could lead to new symptoms such as facial droop and leg drop.
- Stroke: Although rare in children, stroke can cause sudden onset of facial droop and leg weakness.
- Myasthenia Gravis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause fluctuating muscle weakness, including facial and limb weakness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Brain Tumor: A tumor in the brain could cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to cranial nerve palsies and limb weakness. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Spinal Cord Tumor or Abscess: A mass in the spinal cord could cause progressive weakness and paralysis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage.
- Botulism: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a toxin that can cause descending paralysis, starting with facial weakness.
Rare Diagnoses
- Moebius Syndrome: A rare congenital disorder characterized by facial paralysis and limb abnormalities.
- Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause progressive muscle weakness and other systemic symptoms.