Muscle weakness
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness, also known as Myasthenia (pronounced: my-uh-STHEE-nee-uh), is a lack of muscle strength. The causes are many and can be divided into conditions that have either true or perceived muscle weakness. True muscle weakness is a primary symptom of a variety of skeletal muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy and inflammatory myopathy. It occurs in neuromuscular junction disorders, such as myasthenia gravis.
Etymology
The term "myasthenia" is derived from the Greek words "mya" which means muscle, and "asthenia" which means weakness.
Causes
Muscle weakness can be caused by a number of conditions, including:
- Neurological disorders: These include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
- Muscular diseases: These include muscular dystrophy, myositis, and myasthenia gravis.
- Metabolic disorders: These include diabetes and hypothyroidism.
- Infections: Certain infections can cause muscle weakness, including polio and botulism.
Symptoms
Symptoms of muscle weakness can include:
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Decreased muscle tone
- Muscle pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing (in cases of myasthenia gravis)
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
Treatment
Treatment for muscle weakness depends on the underlying cause. It may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can help to improve muscle strength.
Related Terms
- Muscle atrophy: This is a decrease in muscle mass, often due to lack of physical activity.
- Muscle fatigue: This is a temporary decrease in the ability of a muscle to perform optimally.
- Muscle spasm: This is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Muscle weakness
- Wikipedia's article - Muscle weakness
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