IntroductionMuscle weakness is a lack of strength in the muscles. They may not contract or move as easily as before. Some chronic medical conditions can cause the muscles to wear out more quickly or cause a person to feel fatigued. In other cases, an infection may cause the muscles to falter. If a person has a sudden, severe onset of muscle weakness, it is an alarming sign of a medical condition. Neurological conditions are often progressive, which means that they get worse over time. Some of these conditions also go through stages of remission, when symptoms lessen or even disappear, before flaring up again. Signs & symptoms Weakness of the affected area or whole body Aches and pain may be associated with weakness of muscles. Inability to do activities Restricted movements Heaviness Swelling Causes Many health conditions can cause muscle weakness. Examples include:
Other conditions that may cause muscle weakness include:
Infections, such as: Influenza Lyme disease Epstein Barr virus Polio Syphilis Rabies AIDS Meningitis West Nile virus Botulism, a rare and serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, can also lead to muscle weakness. Rare causes of muscle weakness include:
Examples of medications that can cause muscle weakness include:
Some illicit drugs, such as cocaine, can also cause muscle weakness. Pathophysiology Muscle weakness happens when a person’s voluntary and complete effort doesn’t produce a normal muscle contraction or movement. It’s sometimes called:
Short-term muscle weakness happens to nearly everyone at some point. It can be as simple as a hint that the person has to take rest. After a workout, for instance, the muscles may need to recover with rest. If the muscle weakness is persistent, or if it develops with no apparent cause or normal explanation, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Voluntary muscle contractions are usually generated when the brain sends a signal through the spinal cord and nerves to a muscle. If the brain, nervous system, muscles, or the connections between them are injured or affected by disease, the muscles may not contract normally. This can produce muscle weakness. Voluntary movement is initiated in the cerebral motor cortex, at the posterior aspect of the frontal lobe. The neurons involved (upper motor or corticospinal tract neurons) synapse with neurons in the spinal cord (lower motor neurons). Lower motor neurons transmit impulses to the neuromuscular junction to initiate muscle contraction. Common mechanisms of weakness thus include dysfunction of
The location of certain lesions correlates with physical findings:
Diagnosis Detailed case history including family history Physical examination including
If needed, more tests will be done, such as:
Treatments Treatment of muscle weakness depends upon the cause of it as well as the severity of symptoms. There are many options for treatment of muscle weakness including: Physical therapyProgressive resistive exercise to help MS patients to strengthen weak muscles. Stretching and range of motion exercises to prevent muscle stiffness. Occupational therapy Occupational therapy can be especially helpful during the rehabilitation after stroke. This includes exercises to address weakness in one side of the body and help with motor skills. OT can help patients to strengthen each part of the body. OT includes devices and tools to help with day-to-day activities. MedicationAnalgesics, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain associated with conditions such as:
Thyroid hormone replacement is used to treat hypothyroidism. Dietary changesIt is needed in electrolyte imbalances. Supplements like iron, calcium or magnesium oxide will be advised based on the blood test reports.SurgerySurgery may be used to treat certain conditions, such as a disc herniation. Prognosis Short term muscle weakness without any underlying disease usually shows excellent prognosis. But chronic disease conditions need long term treatment and the prognosis is not so good. In most cases, it is only possible to arrest progress but not to reverse the damage happened. Complications
Disease & Ayurveda Peseedourballyam Nidana Causative factors for the vitiation of Vaata and Kapha Kshata-injury Purvaaroopa Not mentioned Samprapti Due to various reasons, the vitiated Kaphadosha gets lodged inn raktadhatu, mamsaddhatu and medodhatu which are very closely related and the circulation of Vaatadosha and bodyfluids are affected. Due to defective circulation and nervous supply, vitiated Kapha and Vaata doshas when get lodged in muscles, develop weakness, heaviness & pain of the muscles and restricts the body movements and locomotor functions. Lakshana Weakness of muscles Heaviness of muscles Pain & tenderness in the affected area Inability to move and limited locomotor functions Divisions Not mentioned Prognosis Sadhyam in new and without associated diseases Yaapyam in chronic and complicated conditions Chikithsa Samana Lepanam with Rookshana dravyas Swedanam Mardanam (in completely vaatika) Udwartanam After the blockage of channels are removed by Rookshana&langhana, application of oils and nourishing therapies should be done. Sodhana Abhyangam Swedanam Virechanam Asthapanavasti Anuvasanavasti Commonly used medicines Maharasnadi kashayam Yogarajaguggulu Shaddharanam choornam Brands available AVS Kottakal AVP Coimbatore SNA oushadhasala Vaidyaratnam oushadhasala Home remedies Measures that may provide relief from muscle weakness include:
Diet
Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion. Junk foods- cause disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine Carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion Refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire) Milk and milk products – increase kapha, cause obstruction in channels and obesity Curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases
Light meals and easily digestible foods Green gram, soups, sesame oil, Ragi, Flax seeds Freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain etc Behaviour: Protect yourself from cold climate. Better to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight wind rain or dust. Maintain a regular food and sleep schedule. Avoid holding or forcing the urges like urine, faeces, cough, sneeze etc. Avoid sedentary lifestyle. Yoga Regular stretching and mild cardio exercises are advised according to the strength of the patient. Also, specific yogacharya including naadisuddhi pranayama, bhujangaasana, pavanamuktasana is recommended. Regular exercise helps improve bioavailability of the medicine and food ingested and leads to positive health. Yoga can maintain harmony within the body and with the surrounding system. Pavanamuktasana Nadisudhi pranayama Bhujangasana Simple exercises for lungs and heart health All the exercises and physical exertions must be decided and done under the supervision of a medical expert only. Research articles https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31939642/
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Licensed Ayurvedic doctor focused on providing individual Ayurvedic consultation services. Specialized in work related stress, Womens’ issues, diabetes, Pecos, arthritis, male and female sexual problems and infertility. Interested in academic work as well. Now working with www.ayurvedaforall.com as senior consultant, Ayurveda.
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