Thursday, 28 May 2020

Paraparesis case 1

G Kusuma
58 
I was given a case of Paraparesis 

Cheif complaints 

Bilateral lower limb weakness since 20 days 
Started proximal later progressed to bilateral distal region
Bilateral edema which is non pitting 
Difficulty in squatting and getting up
Difficulty in wearing chepals
NO H/O DIFFICULTY IN COMBING HAIR , BUTTONING AND UNBUTTONING SHIRT
NO H/O CRANIAL NERVE INVOLVEMENT

                       Neurological weakness
1. Upper motor neuron
2. Basal ganglia and cerebellum
3. Lower motor neurons
 Other causes of weakness might be 
Systemic 
Drug induced
Vitamin deficiency 
Autoimmune diseases
Thyroid condition


On examination 

Patient is coherent conscious and cooperative 
 general examination was normal
Higher mental status is normal
Cranial nerve functions are intact
Motor system
Tone normal
Power slightly decreased 4/5 in both lower limb
Reflexes are absent in both lower limbs
Sensory system was intact 
No specific signs of meninges or cerebellar


Lab investigation 

Blood 
Urine 
Ecg
Serology
All were normal with minor variabilities
Muscle biopsy done Not suggestive of polymylities or muscular dystrophy 








Probable localisation and ruling out







Upper motor neuron lesion
From cerebral cortex to spinal cord 
Symptoms of UMN lesion
Distal muscle involvement mostly
Hypertonia
Flexor weakness
Deep tendon reflexes are exaggerated 


But our case show none so can rule out UMN lesion

Cerebellum

Dysdiadokinesis 
Gait abnormality 
Hyponia
Dysarthria
Nystagmus 
Intesion tremors
Pendular knee jerk

This were not related soo cerebral lesions wer highly imposible

Lower motor neuron lesion 

mostly proximal muscle are involved
atrophy of mucles
flaccidity
hypotonia
deep tendon reflexes are reduced or absent
babinski is negative
fasiculations and fibrillations are present

Lesion of LMN can be at four places on its pathway

Anterior horn cell

Peripheral nerve

NMJ

Muscle (myopathy)


To rule out Anterior horn cell disease and peripheral neuropathy , evaluation of conduction velocity (NCV), histological findings , biochemical studies are necessary. 


NCV testing has to be done in the patient , which helps us to know whether it is neurogenic.


ELECTROMYOGRAPHY is done and showing normal results , from which we can rule out NMJ disorders.


It might not be drug induced no suggestive history of medication
Hypothyroidism can be ruled out by thyroid harmone status
No relapsing events so chronic demyelination polyneuropathy can be ruled out
Muscular dystrophy was ruled out by histopathology report
Case might most probably be BECKER’s Muscular dystrophy which is a X linked recessive trait

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is an inherited disorder of muscle structure that results in progressive weakness of limb and breathing muscles. The involuntary muscles are not affected. BMD is similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), but is less severe. BMD usually begins in the teens or early adulthood, and the course is slower and far less predictable than that of DMD. Early symptoms are cramps after exercising, and later in life the person begins to experience problems while walking quickly or running. Other noticeable symptoms besides weakness are falling, feeling "worn out," and changes in the skeletal system. Few affected have learning problems, but these cases are typically minor.

What causes Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

The cause of BMD is related to a deformity of a gene on the X chromosome (therefore, females are the carriers of this defect). This fault produces a protein called dystrophia that does not work the way it should within muscle fibers. This causes the fibers to gradually weaken and wear away.

Who gets Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Boys are affected almost exclusively and every ethnic background is affected. In a group of 100,000 people, approximately 3 will be affected with BMD Some patients who have BMD can live a normal lifespan, however most die sometime after the age of 40.

How is Becker Muscular Dystrophy diagnosed?

BMD can often be misdiagnosed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy or as spinal muscular dystrophy. Blood tests can be performed if it is known that BMD runs in the family. Needle EMGs and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) can also be performed. The needle EMG will show that the muscle weakness is due to a problem with the muscles versus problems with nerves.

How is Becker Muscular Dystrophy treated?

The treatment of BMD focuses on lessening the symptoms associated with it. There is no cure, but treatments are available to help with symptoms and maximize muscle function. It is vital that a person with BMD stay in shape and continue to use their muscles. This can include physical therapy. Treatment can also include genetic counseling, using splints, massages, and catabolic steroids. It is probable that the person will eventually require a wheelchair.

Information Taken from







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