The assessment and management of the patient with acute leg weakness

The patient with acute leg weakness is a medical emergency. A logical and safe clinical approach first requires a basic understanding of the relevant neuro-anatomy, (so don’t skip the following section!). The doctor must obtain a detailed history and perform a competent examination. The clinical case must then be discussed promptly with senior staff, and investigations and management planned thereafter. Rather than providing a detailed account of certain specific diseases, for example Guillain-Barré Syndrome, this article focuses on the diagnostic assessment of patients with acute leg weakness.