Pseudoparalysis Secondary to Vitamin C Deficiency: A Rare Presentation in a Toddler

Abstract

Case: We present a 17-month-old girl with postencephalitic sequelae only on high-calorie cereal milk through a nasogastric tube. She presented with a 3-week history of swelling and decreased lower limb movements. Synovial fluid analysis ruled out septic arthritis. Plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were suggestive of scurvy. She was diagnosed to have pseudoparalysis secondary to scurvy. She was started on vitamin C supplements, after which she showed good clinical improvement. Conclusion: This case report is to re-emphasize the need for awareness of the possibility of scurvy in children with poor nutritional status due to feeding difficulties.