Weakness

Alternative names:

lack of strength; muscle weakness

Home care:

Follow prescribed therapy for treating the underlying cause of the weakness.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is weakness confined to one area of the body.
• there is prolonged, unexplained weakness or fatigue particularly if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the weakness in detail may include:

• 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?
  • Is the weakness noticed only after strenuous activity or exercise?

• quality
  • Is the weakness constant or does it come and go?
  • Does the weakness affect breathing?
  • Does it affect talking, chewing, or swallowing?
  • Does it affect walking, climbing stairs, sitting, getting up?
  • Does it affect use of the 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?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes the weakness worse?
    • physical activity
    • rest
    • hunger
    • fatigue
    • pain
    • stress

• relieving factors
  • Does anything help relieve the weakness?
    • rest
    • eating
    • pain relief

• other symptoms
  • What other symptoms are also present?
    • fever
    • injury
    • pain
    • numbness or tingling
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
    • weight loss
    • headaches
    • changes in vision
    • change in skin color or temperature of the area affected
    • change in mental state, alertness, or responses

• additional important information
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Are there any known allergies?

Physical examination may include special attention paid to examination of heart, lungs, and thyroid gland. If there is localized weakness, the examination will focus on the nerve and muscle functions.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• thyroid function tests
• blood tests such as a CBC and blood differential to check for anemia
• urine tests (urinalysis)
• X-rays (depending on the suspected cause)
• nerve conduction studies

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to weakness to your personal medical record.