Isolated foot drop due to cerebral infarction: A rare presentation mimicking peroneal neuropathy

Zamoum Mourad; Kassouri Nora; Ameur El Koudoud Wahiba

doi:10.55697/tnd.2025.451

Zamoum Mourad¹, Kassouri Nora², Ameur El Koudoud Wahiba²

¹Department of Neuromuscular, Ben Aknoun Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
²Department of Neurology, Ben Aknoun Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria

Keywords: Cortical infraction, foot drop, peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract

Foot drop is a common neurological condition characterized by weakness in dorsiflexion of the foot, often resulting from peripheral nervous system disorders. However, isolated foot drop due to central nervous system lesions is exceedingly rare. This case report described a 52-year-old male with isolated foot drop due to a subacute cerebral infarction. The patient’s initial presentation suggested peroneal neuropathy; however, further diagnostic workup, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and brain imaging, revealed a cortical infarction in the right frontal parasagittal area. This case emphasized the importance of considering central nervous system causes in cases of isolated foot drop and highlighted the need for timely diagnosis to prevent diagnostic delays.

Cite this article as: Mourad Z, Nora K, Wahiba AEK. Isolated foot drop due to cerebral infarction: A rare presentation mimicking peroneal neuropathy. Turk J Neurol 2025;31(4):458-462. doi: 10.55697/tnd.2025.451.