A nutritional deficiency masquerading as a neurological disorder: Scurvy-induced paraparesis

Scurvy is a rare nutritional disorder seen in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, malnutrition, and faulty dietary habits. Musculoskeletal manifestations, such as pseudoparalysis of the lower limb, are common presentations. A 5-year-old child presented with an acute-onset inability to stand for the past 3 months. She had tenderness on moving the knee and ankle; the neurological examination was normal. Dietary history revealed food selectivity. X-ray of the knee was suggestive of scurvy and the Vitamin C level was low so scurvy was considered. She was treated with diet modification and Vitamin C. She improved and began standing on the 3 rd day and walking on the 10 th day of Vitamin C therapy. Scurvy should be considered a differential diagnosis in children with acute or subacute pseudoparalysis of the lower limb.