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WeaknessDefinition Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles. Considerations Weakness may be subjective (the person feels weak, but has no measurable loss of strength) or objective (measurable loss of strength as noted in a physical exam). Weakness may be generalized (total body weakness) or localized to a specific area, side of the body, limb, or muscle. A subjective feeling of weakness may be associated with infectious diseases such as infectious mononucleosis and influenza. Weakness is more notable when it occurs in only one area of the body (localized or focal weakness). Localized weakness may follow a stroke, exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, or trauma to a motor nerve root or peripheral nerve. Common Causes Measurable weakness may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic, neurologic, primary muscular diseases, and toxic disorders. METABOLIC NEUROLOGIC
TOXIC
Home Care Follow prescribed therapy for treating the underlying cause of the weakness. Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting the weakness in detail may include:
Physical examination may include special attention paid to examination of heart, lungs, and thyroid gland. If there is localized weakness, the examination will focus on the nerve and muscle functions. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider: You may want to add a diagnosis related to weakness to your personal medical record. Page Content: Lack of strength; Muscle weakness ; muscle weakness; cause of muscle weakness; muscle weakness and pain; lipitor muscle weakness; muscle weakness in leg; leg muscle weakness; muscle weakness fatique; proximal muscle weakness; muscle weakness joint pain; muscle weakness disease; statins and muscle weakness; muscle weakness symptom |
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