Hopkins syndrome, also known as post-asthmatic amyotrophy, is a rare, poliomyelitis-like condition that primarily affects children after experiencing status asthmaticus, a severe asthma attack. Though more common in childhood, it can also occur after puberty.
Here's a breakdown of Hopkins syndrome:
- Definition: A neurological condition characterized by rapidly progressive and permanent muscle weakness, usually affecting a single limb (monoplegia) or both limbs on one side of the body (diplegia).
- Cause: It occurs following a severe asthma attack (status asthmaticus). The exact mechanism linking asthma and the neurological condition is not fully understood.
- Age of Onset: Most commonly seen in children, but can occur in adults as well.
- Key Features:
- Sudden onset of limb weakness.
- Paralysis that can be permanent.
- Often affects one limb (monoplegia) or both limbs on the same side of the body (diplegia).
- Typically follows a severe asthma attack.
In essence, Hopkins disease/syndrome describes a specific neurological complication occurring after severe asthma, resulting in limb paralysis.
