emDocs - May 23, 2019 - Authors: Martin K, Uribe J, Waseem M, Gernsheimer J
Edited by: Koyfman A and Long B
"Key Points:
- “I can’t walk” is an important complaint that has many etiologies, including neurologic, orthopedic, and metabolic.
- Determining what the patient means by inability to walk is essential (ie, pain vs. weakness vs. focal deficit).
- While evaluating the patient for the cause of weakness with a good history, physical exam, and appropriate ancillary testing, it is critical to evaluate and stabilize the patient’s ABCs.
- Determining which part of the nervous system is involved will help make an expeditious and correct diagnosis that will lead to appropriate therapy, which may prevent further mortality and morbidity."