Paralysis Unmasked: Impressive ECGs That Saved the Day
ECG Weekly Workout with Dr. Amal Mattu
HPI
A 45-year-old woman with PMHx of HTN, DM, ESRD (MWF hemodialysis) presents with complete paralysis below the neck. She reports being normal and fully functional before going to bed the night before and woke up unable to move any extremity. She is noted to be bradycardic with dense paralysis of all extremities on exam. The following ECG is obtained:
Before watching this week’s workout, closely examine the ECG and ask yourself:
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- What is the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms?
- Would you initiate any specific treatment or proceed with imaging studies first?
