Unilateral foot drop following bariatric surgery: a case report

Neurological complications following bariatric surgery (BS) are uncommon but may cause significant functional impairment if not recognized early. We report the case of a 38-year-old woman who developed sudden-onset right foot drop seven months after BS, following an approximately 30-kg weight loss. Neurological examination demonstrated severe weakness of ankle dorsiflexion and foot eversion without sensory deficits. Electrophysiological studies revealed an acute-to-subacute partial demyelinating lesion of the common peroneal nerve at the fibular head with evidence of secondary axonal regeneration, whereas laboratory and imaging studies excluded metabolic and structural causes. The patient underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation program, including therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, gait training, and an ankle-foot orthosis, resulting in marked functional improvement after 15 treatment sessions. This case highlights rapid weight loss as an important risk factor for common peroneal neuropathy after BS and emphasizes the value of early electrophysiological evaluation and multidisciplinary rehabilitation in optimizing functional recovery.