Flaccid paralysis of the limbs after an asthmatic attack.

Acute exacerbations of asthma are common in children, but limb weakness after such exacerbations is very unusual. Hopkins' syndrome, a poliomyelitis-like illness associated with asthma, is seldom reported in the literature. We describe a child with weakness of the lower limbs after an asthmatic attack. The clinical profile, possible pathogenesis, and treatment of Hopkins' syndrome are discussed.