Muscle weakness: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File: | | name = Muscle weakness | ||
| image = [[File:Symptoms_of_multiple_sclerosis.svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram showing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which can include muscle weakness | |||
| synonyms = Myasthenia | |||
| specialty = [[Neurology]], [[Physical medicine and rehabilitation]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Weakness]], [[fatigue]], [[muscle atrophy]] | |||
| onset = Can be sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies depending on cause | |||
| causes = [[Neurological disorders]], [[muscle disorders]], [[metabolic disorders]], [[autoimmune diseases]] | |||
| risks = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[infections]], [[medications]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[electromyography]], [[blood tests]] | |||
| differential = [[Muscle fatigue]], [[paralysis]], [[neuropathy]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause; may include [[physical therapy]], [[medications]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; some conditions are treatable, others may be progressive | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[Muscle weakness]], also known as myasthenia, represents a diminished ability of a muscle or group of muscles to generate force. This can be due to a myriad of causes ranging from general fatigue to more complex neurodegenerative diseases. The presentation of muscle weakness can vary significantly among individuals, depending on its etiology and affected muscle groups. | [[Muscle weakness]], also known as myasthenia, represents a diminished ability of a muscle or group of muscles to generate force. This can be due to a myriad of causes ranging from general fatigue to more complex neurodegenerative diseases. The presentation of muscle weakness can vary significantly among individuals, depending on its etiology and affected muscle groups. | ||
== Definition == | == Definition == | ||
Muscle weakness describes a situation where the full strength or force that a muscle or a group of muscles would ordinarily exert is reduced. It can be localized to a specific area or be a generalized condition impacting the entire body. | Muscle weakness describes a situation where the full strength or force that a muscle or a group of muscles would ordinarily exert is reduced. It can be localized to a specific area or be a generalized condition impacting the entire body. | ||
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== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Muscle weakness can be attributed to several factors and conditions: | Muscle weakness can be attributed to several factors and conditions: | ||
* [[Neurological disorders]]: Such as [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]], [[Multiple sclerosis|MS]], and [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]. | * [[Neurological disorders]]: Such as [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]], [[Multiple sclerosis|MS]], and [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]. | ||
* [[Muscular disorders]]: Including [[Muscular dystrophy]] and [[Myopathy]]. | * [[Muscular disorders]]: Including [[Muscular dystrophy]] and [[Myopathy]]. | ||
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* [[Medications]]: Certain drugs, like statins or corticosteroids, may cause muscle weakness as a side effect. | * [[Medications]]: Certain drugs, like statins or corticosteroids, may cause muscle weakness as a side effect. | ||
* Overexertion and lack of rest: Intense physical activity without adequate recovery can lead to temporary muscle fatigue and weakness. | * Overexertion and lack of rest: Intense physical activity without adequate recovery can lead to temporary muscle fatigue and weakness. | ||
== Symptoms and Associated Conditions == | == Symptoms and Associated Conditions == | ||
Muscle weakness may present alongside other symptoms or conditions such as: | Muscle weakness may present alongside other symptoms or conditions such as: | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
* [[Muscle atrophy|Atrophy]] (decrease in muscle mass) | * [[Muscle atrophy|Atrophy]] (decrease in muscle mass) | ||
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* Decreased coordination | * Decreased coordination | ||
* Limited range of motion | * Limited range of motion | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The process of diagnosing the cause of muscle weakness involves: | The process of diagnosing the cause of muscle weakness involves: | ||
* Clinical Examination: Observing the patient's ability to perform certain tasks. | * Clinical Examination: Observing the patient's ability to perform certain tasks. | ||
* [[Electromyography|EMG]]: A test that evaluates the electrical activity of muscles. | * [[Electromyography|EMG]]: A test that evaluates the electrical activity of muscles. | ||
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* Imaging: [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] might be used to visualize the affected muscle groups. | * Imaging: [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] might be used to visualize the affected muscle groups. | ||
* Biopsy: In certain cases, a muscle biopsy might be taken to analyze the muscle tissue directly. | * Biopsy: In certain cases, a muscle biopsy might be taken to analyze the muscle tissue directly. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of muscle weakness largely depends on its underlying cause: | The treatment of muscle weakness largely depends on its underlying cause: | ||
* [[Physical therapy]]: To enhance muscle strength and flexibility. | * [[Physical therapy]]: To enhance muscle strength and flexibility. | ||
* Medications: Like muscle relaxants, immune-modulating drugs, or specific treatments for underlying conditions. | * Medications: Like muscle relaxants, immune-modulating drugs, or specific treatments for underlying conditions. | ||
* Nutritional supplements: To address any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. | * Nutritional supplements: To address any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. | ||
* Rest and Rehabilitation: Particularly if the weakness is due to overexertion. | * Rest and Rehabilitation: Particularly if the weakness is due to overexertion. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Muscle]] | * [[Muscle]] | ||
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* [[Muscle atrophy]] | * [[Muscle atrophy]] | ||
* [[Physical rehabilitation]] | * [[Physical rehabilitation]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
# "Understanding Muscle Weakness." Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology. | # "Understanding Muscle Weakness." Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology. | ||
# "Diagnostic Approach to Muscle Weakness." Medical Clinical Reviews. | # "Diagnostic Approach to Muscle Weakness." Medical Clinical Reviews. | ||
# "Neurological Causes of Muscle Weakness." Neuromuscular Disorders. | # "Neurological Causes of Muscle Weakness." Neuromuscular Disorders. | ||
[[Category:Musculoskeletal system]] | [[Category:Musculoskeletal system]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms]] | [[Category:Symptoms]] | ||
[[Category:Medical Diagnosis]] | [[Category:Medical Diagnosis]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:43, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Muscle weakness | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Myasthenia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Neurology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation |
| Symptoms | Weakness, fatigue, muscle atrophy |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Can be sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Neurological disorders, muscle disorders, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, infections, medications |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, electromyography, blood tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Muscle fatigue, paralysis, neuropathy |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause; may include physical therapy, medications, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; some conditions are treatable, others may be progressive |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia, represents a diminished ability of a muscle or group of muscles to generate force. This can be due to a myriad of causes ranging from general fatigue to more complex neurodegenerative diseases. The presentation of muscle weakness can vary significantly among individuals, depending on its etiology and affected muscle groups.
Definition[edit]
Muscle weakness describes a situation where the full strength or force that a muscle or a group of muscles would ordinarily exert is reduced. It can be localized to a specific area or be a generalized condition impacting the entire body.
Causes[edit]
Muscle weakness can be attributed to several factors and conditions:
- Neurological disorders: Such as ALS, MS, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Muscular disorders: Including Muscular dystrophy and Myopathy.
- Metabolic conditions: Like diabetes or electrolyte imbalances.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Especially lack of Vitamin D or certain B vitamins.
- Infections: Some viral or bacterial infections can lead to transient muscle weakness.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like statins or corticosteroids, may cause muscle weakness as a side effect.
- Overexertion and lack of rest: Intense physical activity without adequate recovery can lead to temporary muscle fatigue and weakness.
Symptoms and Associated Conditions[edit]
Muscle weakness may present alongside other symptoms or conditions such as:
- Fatigue
- Atrophy (decrease in muscle mass)
- Twitches or spasms
- Cramps
- Pain or discomfort
- Decreased coordination
- Limited range of motion
Diagnosis[edit]
The process of diagnosing the cause of muscle weakness involves:
- Clinical Examination: Observing the patient's ability to perform certain tasks.
- EMG: A test that evaluates the electrical activity of muscles.
- Blood tests: To assess for underlying metabolic or nutritional issues.
- Imaging: MRI or CT scan might be used to visualize the affected muscle groups.
- Biopsy: In certain cases, a muscle biopsy might be taken to analyze the muscle tissue directly.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of muscle weakness largely depends on its underlying cause:
- Physical therapy: To enhance muscle strength and flexibility.
- Medications: Like muscle relaxants, immune-modulating drugs, or specific treatments for underlying conditions.
- Nutritional supplements: To address any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
- Rest and Rehabilitation: Particularly if the weakness is due to overexertion.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- "Understanding Muscle Weakness." Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology.
- "Diagnostic Approach to Muscle Weakness." Medical Clinical Reviews.
- "Neurological Causes of Muscle Weakness." Neuromuscular Disorders.
