Considerations
Weakness may be all over the body or in only one area, side of the body, limb, or muscle. Weakness is more noticeable when it is in one area. Weakness in one area may occur:
Subjective means you feel weak, but there is no real loss of strength. For example, you may feel weak if you have an infection such as mononucleosis or the flu.
Objective means there is a loss of strength that can be noted during a physical exam.
Causes
Weakness may be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
Home Care
Follow the therapy your health care provider recommended to treat the cause of the weakness.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have:
Sudden weakness, especially if it is in one area and does not occur with other symptoms, such as fever
Sudden weakness after a viral illness
Unexplained weakness that does not go away
Weakness in one area of the body
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The health care provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
Time pattern
When did the weakness begin?
Did it begin with an illness or injury?
Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
Is the weakness worse in the morning or at night?
Do you notice the weakness only after strenuous activity or exercise?
Did it start after a viral illness, such as a cold?
Did it start after a vaccination?
Quality
Is the weakness constant or does it come and go, sometimes affecting different parts of your body?
Does the weakness affect your breathing?
Does it affect talking, chewing, or swallowing?
Does it affect walking, climbing stairs, sitting, or getting up?
Does it affect the use of your hands, arms, or shoulders?
The physical examination may include special attention to your heart, lungs, and thyroid gland. If there is a local area of weakness, the examination will focus on the nerves and muscle.
Update Date: 8/14/2012
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
