24th August 2020

A 22-year-old university student presents to A&E as she has noticed some progressive weakness in her legs

A 22-year-old university student presents to A&E as she has noticed some progressive weakness in her legs over the last couple of days and is now struggling to walk. She also reports feeling very fatigued with some tingling in her hands and feet and some pain in her lower back. She tells you that she had freshers’ flu about 3 weeks ago but was feeling fine before the weakness in her legs started. She denies any fevers, nausea, rash, headache, neck stiffness and bladder or bowel disturbances. On examination, the power in both legs was 2/5, the patellar and ankle jerk reflexes could not be elicited, but there was no sensory loss in either leg. Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.