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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. You notice the sudden onset of weakness, particularly when it is localized and not accompanied by other complaints, such as fever. You become suddenly quite weak following a typical viral illness. What to expect at your health care provider's office: Text Continues Below 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? Did it start following a typical viral illness, such as a cold? Did it start after a vaccination? Quality Is the weakness constant or does it come and go, sometimes effecting different parts of your body? 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 responsiveness Additional important information What medications are being taken? Are there any known allergies? Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>