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Weakness

Definition:

Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.

Alternative Names:

Lack of strength; Muscle weakness

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.

A subjective feeling of weakness may be associated with infectious diseases such as mono and the flu .

Common Causes:

Measurable weakness may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic, neurologic, primary muscular diseases, and toxic disorders.

METABOLIC

NEUROLOGIC

PRIMARY MUSCULAR DISEASES

TOXIC

OTHER

References:

Olney RK. Weakness, Disorders of Movement, and Imbalance. In Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Anthony S. Fauci AS, eds. Harrison’s Internal Medicine . 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.

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