Bilateral Central Foot Drop in a Pediatric Patient

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Traumatology

Background:

• Foot drop typically stems from lumbar nerve compression or peroneal nerve entrapment.
• Central nervous system lesions are a rare but documented cause of foot drop.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old male presented with foot drop following severe head trauma.
• Neurological examination revealed significant muscle weakness and upper motor neuron signs.
• Brain imaging showed cerebral contusions and an epidural-subdural hematoma.

Findings:

• The patient's foot drop was attributed to upper motor neuron dysfunction secondary to head trauma.
• Conservative management led to a full recovery with resolution of neurological deficits.
• Central foot drop presents with spasticity, distinct from peripheral nerve-related cases.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering central nervous system causes for foot drop.
• Conservative treatment can be effective for foot drop resulting from traumatic brain injury.
• Tailoring treatment to the underlying pathology is crucial for managing central foot drop.