QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is a rapid-onset muscle weakness affecting peripheral nerves. It begins in the feet and hands and is usually bilateral. It can be life-threatening if the diaphragm is affected. The cause is unknown but most often the immune system's dysfunction is precipitated by an infection.
10005236
a
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
QuestionChoice
This is when the nerves in the lower back become compressed. The patient gets sciatica on both sides, saddle anaesthesia and weakness in both legs which becomes progressively worse. This is a medical emergency! In this scenario the patient has weakness but no sciatica so it is less likely to be cauda equina syndrome, however, it should always be considered as an important differential.
10005239
d
Cauda equina syndrome
QuestionChoice
This is a condition caused by a lesion or damage in one half of the spinal cord. Paralysis and loss of proprioception occur on the ipsilateral side of the lesion and loss of pain/temperature sensation on the contralateral side. In this scenario, both sides of the patient's body are affected.
10005238
c
Brown-Séquard syndrome
QuestionChoice
This is when the botulinum toxin attacks the nervous system. This results in muscle paralysis and can be reversed if given treatment. If the muscles of the diaphragm are affected it can be fatal. In this scenario, the patient has not presented with any muscle paralysis.
10005240
e
Botulism
QuestionChoice
This is a demyelinating disease which damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include diplopia, muscle weakness and sensation/coordination impairment. This may present similarly to Guillain-Barré Syndrome but its onset time is usually much longer thus making it more difficult to diagnose.
10005237
b
Multiple Sclerosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
4388
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Topic
141
Neurology
13594
A 56-year-old male has presented to the emergency department. He describes that a week ago he had numbness in his feet and that this has now progressed, causing weakness in his legs and hands. He has no relevant past medical history except that a couple of weeks ago he caught a stomach bug from his grandson.

Which one of the following conditions is the most likely diagnosis?
a