Flail limb
Flail Limb
Flail limb (/ˈfleɪl lɪm/) is a medical term used to describe a limb that has lost its ability to function due to a neurological or muscular disorder. The term is derived from the Old English word 'flēogan', meaning 'to fly', and the Latin word 'limbus', meaning 'edge' or 'border'.
A flail limb is characterized by its inability to perform normal movements and its tendency to move in an uncontrolled and often unpredictable manner. This condition can occur as a result of various medical conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and nerve damage.
Causes
Flail limb can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Stroke: A stroke can cause damage to the brain, leading to loss of control over certain body parts, including limbs.
- Spinal cord injury: An injury to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the brain and the muscles, leading to flail limb.
- Muscular dystrophy: This group of genetic diseases causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, which can result in flail limb.
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control muscle movement can lead to flail limb.
Treatment
Treatment for flail limb typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery, or medication. In some cases, assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs may be used to help improve mobility and independence.
Related Terms
- Flail chest: A condition in which multiple adjacent ribs are broken, causing the chest wall to become unstable.
- Flail joint: A joint that has lost its stability due to damage to the surrounding ligaments and tendons.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flail limb
- Wikipedia's article - Flail limb
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