The described patient exhibits upper arm numbness with inability to move legs; which deficit is present?

The described patient exhibits upper arm numbness with inability to move legs; which deficit is present?

• A. Numbness in the arms and legs
• B. Only facial numbness
• C. Loss of vision
• D. Severe headache

Answer: (A)

When a patient has sensory loss in an upper limb and a motor deficit in the lower limbs, the pattern points to deficits across the limbs rather than cranial symptoms. The upper arm numbness shows a sensory deficit in the arm, while the inability to move the legs shows a motor deficit in the legs. Summarizing this as numbness in the arms and legs best fits the described distribution of deficits. The other options describe symptoms (facial numbness, vision loss, or a severe headache) that aren’t indicated by the signs given.

When a patient has sensory loss in an upper limb and a motor deficit in the lower limbs, the pattern points to deficits across the limbs rather than cranial symptoms. The upper arm numbness shows a sensory deficit in the arm, while the inability to move the legs shows a motor deficit in the legs. Summarizing this as numbness in the arms and legs best fits the described distribution of deficits. The other options describe symptoms (facial numbness, vision loss, or a severe headache) that aren’t indicated by the signs given.