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Chapter 7 - Weakness

from Section 2 - Common Neurologic Presentations: A Symptom-Based Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2024

By
George A. Small  and
Melody Milliron
Edited by
Thomas P. Campbell  and
Kevin M. Kelly
Thomas P. Campbell
Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Kevin M. Kelly
Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
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Summary

Weakness is often a very complicated ED presenting complaint. A detailed history and physical examination, and diligent search for etiology, are required. First, the clinician must elucidate true weakness versus fatigue. Fatigue is best defined as a decrease in the ability to perform motor functions. Fatigue may be the complaint for a broad differential diagnosis, including acute coronary syndrome, anemia, chronic inflammatory diseases, dehydration, hypoglycemia or other electrolyte derangements, adrenal insufficiency, a variety of infections, pulmonary disorders, medication side effects, and depression. These disorders are characterized by a lack of true muscular weakness on examination. True muscular weakness is not painful, and pain should guide the examiner to other etiologies such as fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica.

Keywords

symmetrybulbaranterior hornGuillain–Barre syndromeWest Nile virusmyopathy
Type
Chapter
Information
Handbook of Emergency Neurology , pp. 84 - 93
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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