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Acute Unilateral Numbness And Weakness In A Professional Basketball Player - Page #1
 

Author: Rabiah Fresco, MD
Senior Editor: Drew Duerson, MD
Editor: Jason Friedman, MD

Patient Presentation:
A 25-year-old male professional basketball player presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of acute onset numbness and weakness of his right upper and lower extremities after a spin move. Associated symptoms included pain, paresthesias, and cold sensation.

History:
He was initially evaluated by his team physician, who sent the patient to urgent care. An ECG performed at urgent care was concerning for possible myocardial infarction and the patient was referred to the ED. On arrival, he denied chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, or syncope. He did report a history of a recent dental procedure (wisdom tooth removal) one week prior, as well as a recent plane flight.

Physical Exam:
General: no acute distress <br>Cardiovascular: regular rate and rhythm, no murmur <br>Respiratory: clear to auscultation bilaterally <br>Neuro Exam: <br>Mental status: awake, alert, oriented x 3; no aphasia, no dysarthria <br>Cranial Nerves: cranial nerves II-XII intact <br>Motor: normal tone, no significant atrophy. Strength 4/5 in right upper and lower extremities, 5/5 in left upper and lower extremities <br>Sensory: decreased sensation to light touch in the right arm and leg; sensation intact in the right foot <br>Reflexes: mild hyporeflexia, 1+ symmetrically. Babinski downgoing bilaterally <br>Coordination: finger-to-nose and heel-to-shin intact bilaterally <br>Gait: ambulated steadily but reported feelings of weakness in the right leg

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NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 4000 W. 114th Street, Suite 100, Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 327-1415.
 

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