Definition
Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.
Causes
Measurable weakness may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic, neurologic, primary muscular diseases, and toxic disorders.
METABOLIC
NEUROLOGIC
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Definition
Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.
Causes
Measurable weakness may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic, neurologic, primary muscular diseases, and toxic disorders.
METABOLIC
NEUROLOGIC
Keep reading...
Considerations
Weakness may be generalized (total body weakness) or localized to only one area, side of the body, limb, or muscle. Weakness is more notable when it is localized. Localized weakness may follow a stroke , flare up of multiple sclerosis , or injury to a nerve.
Weakness may be subjective or objective.
- Subjective means you feel weak, but there is no measurable loss of strength.
- Objective means there is a measurable loss of strength noted during a physical exam.
A subjective feeling of weakness may be associated with infectious diseases such as mono and the flu .
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Other Names
Lack of strength; Muscle weakness
Home Care
Follow prescribed therapy for treating the underlying cause of the weakness.
References
Olney RK. Weakness, Disorders of Movement, and Imbalance. In Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Anthony S. Fauci AS, eds. Harrisons Internal Medicine . 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.