04-29-2009, 09:31 AM
An 18-year-old woman is evaluated for progressive gait difficulties and intermittent falls. She has no accompanying numbness or tingling. She states that she has always been rather clumsy and that her mother developed similar symptoms in her teens and now requires braces in order to walk.
On examination, the patient has severe distal upper- and lower-extremity weakness and atrophy and decreased vibratory sensation in the distal upper and lower extremities. Reflexes are diffusely absent. Examination of her feet reveals high arches and hammertoes.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A Hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy
B Vasculitic neuropathy
C Spinal muscular atrophy
D Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
On examination, the patient has severe distal upper- and lower-extremity weakness and atrophy and decreased vibratory sensation in the distal upper and lower extremities. Reflexes are diffusely absent. Examination of her feet reveals high arches and hammertoes.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A Hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy
B Vasculitic neuropathy
C Spinal muscular atrophy
D Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy