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Weakness

Definition

Weakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.

Alternative Names

Lack of strength; Muscle weakness

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:

Weakness may be subjective or objective:

  • 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.

Common Causes

Weakness may be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

METABOLIC

BRAIN/NERVOUS SYSTEM (NEUROLOGIC)

MUSCLE DISEASES

POISONING

OTHER

Home Care

Follow the therapy your health care provider recommended to treat the cause of the weakness.

Call your health care provider if

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?
    • Is there pain with the weakness?
    • Is there numbness or tingling with the weakness?
  • Location
    • Is the weakness limited to a specific area?
    • Has the area of weakness increased or decreased?
  • Factors that make the weakness worse
    • What makes the weakness worse?
  • Relieving factors
    • Does anything help relieve the weakness?
      • Eating
      • Pain relief
      • Rest
  • Other symptoms
  • Other important information
    • What medications do you take?
    • Do you have any allergies?

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.

Tests that may be done include:

References

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 403.

Chinnery PF. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 429.

Review Date: 8/14/2012
Reviewed By: 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.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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