Absent Deep Tendon Reflexes in Pediatrics — Case | General Pediatrics | SMLE Q#17376

SMLE Question #17376

Pediatrics General Pediatrics

Objective: OBJ-377

Last updated: February 2026
A previously healthy 12-year-old girl has 5 days of progressive difficulty walking. Two weeks earlier, she had a self-limited 3-day episode of non-bloody diarrhea. She then developed intermittent tingling in her fingers and toes followed by gradually worsening symmetric weakness that started in the legs and later involved the arms. Examination shows marked symmetric proximal and distal weakness in all limbs with absent deep tendon reflexes bilaterally and intact light-touch sensation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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