When Too Much is Too Little

Abstract

A 73-year-old man came to the emergency room because of progressive weakness in his left leg. One year earlier, he had noted a sudden weakness in the left lower leg as he was climbing a flight of stairs. He did not seek medical attention at that time but began to use a cane. Three weeks before his visit to the emergency department, he fell to the floor while attempting to get out of bed. On arising, he had difficulty supporting his weight on his left side. The left-leg weakness subsequently progressed, and he was unable to walk without a . . .