Differential Diagnosis for a Child Unable to Move Their Legs
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that is a common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children, often following a viral infection. It typically presents with ascending paralysis, starting in the lower limbs.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trauma: Spinal cord injuries or fractures can cause paralysis or weakness in the legs, depending on the level and severity of the injury.
- Infections: Such as meningitis or spinal epidural abscess, which can compress or infect the spinal cord, leading to leg weakness or paralysis.
- Transverse Myelitis: An inflammatory condition that affects the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like leg weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Compression: Due to conditions like tumors, abscesses, or hematomas, which require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Botulism: A rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by a toxin that can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory issues.
- Tick Paralysis: A rare condition caused by the bite of certain ticks, leading to ascending paralysis that can mimic Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM): A rare condition that affects the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis, often in children.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Such as muscular dystrophy or congenital myopathies, which can present with progressive muscle weakness and may initially affect the legs.