Neuromuscular Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
An 8-year-old unvaccinated boy presents with fever (38.9°C), sore throat, and progressive asymmetric flaccid paralysis of the left leg over 3 days. Vital signs show HR 102 bpm, BP 108/68 mmHg, RR 18/min, SpO2 98% on room air. Sensory examination is intact throughout. CSF analysis reveals lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal glucose. Deep tendon reflexes are diminished in the affected limb. Which of the following structures is most likely damaged?
Answer choices
- APosterior columns
- BAnterior horn cellsCorrect answer
- CDorsal root ganglia
- DBasal ganglia
- ECerebellar Purkinje cells
- FLateral corticospinal tract
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