No other pertinent history is obtained. Prior to continuing, please develop a differential diagnosis and list each possible diagnosis in order of likelihood. He is alert but dyspneic, and thin but not cachectic. Resting heart rate is 110, without peripheral edema or venous distension. Breath sounds are decreased in both lung bases.
Cranial nerves are normal.
There is moderate atrophy of all left hand intrinsic muscles. Sensation is blunted to all modalities in the left median and ulnar nerve distributions, otherwise normal throughout. There is mild swelling, with erythema and warmth in the volar aspect of left wrist. At this point, review your differential diagnosis and determine a final working differential diagnosis from which to design your electrodiagnostic study. Formulate your approach to the electrodiagnostic study.