A patient is referred to your clinic with weakness, atrophy (wasting) of muscle without involvement of the nervous system, and progressive disability and loss of strength. What is the likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of weakness, muscle atrophy, and progressive disability and loss of strength strongly suggest muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that results in the deterioration of muscles without involvement of the nervous system. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue but is not typically associated with muscle wasting. Spina bifida is a congenital defect of the spine that can cause nerve damage, but it would not present with selective muscle wasting. Tetraparesis is a general term for weakness or paralysis affecting all four limbs and does not provide enough detail to accurately diagnose this specific case.

A Patient Is Referred to Your Clinic with Weakness, Atrophy