A 44-Year-Old Man with Back Pain and Weakness

NEJM Evidence 2026

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Authors: John E. Dobbs, Margaret D. Krasne, Rakhi P P. Naik, Ivo M.B. Francischetti, Xiaojun Wu, Michael T. Melia
DOI: 10.1056/evidmr2500137
Cited by: 0
References: 7

Abstract

AbstractMorning Report is a time-honored tradition where physicians-in-training present cases to their colleagues and clinical experts to collaboratively examine an interesting patient presentation. The Morning Report section seeks to carry on this tradition by presenting a patient's chief concern and story, inviting the reader to develop a differential diagnosis and discover the diagnosis alongside the authors of the case. This report discusses the story of a 44-year-old man who sought evaluation for back pain and weakness. Using questions, physical examination, and testing, an illness script for the presentation emerges. As the clinical course progresses, the differential is refined until a final diagnosis is made.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Medical Case Reports and Studies Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Publication details

Journal / source
NEJM Evidence
Volume
5
Issue
2
Pages
EVIDmr2500137–EVIDmr2500137
Publication date
27 January 2026
Language
EN