Generalized weakness

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Generalized weakness

Brief periods of generalized weakness are common, especially after a strenuous workout or a stressful emotional situation, and usually they just mean that you have overexerted yourself. Generalized weakness is not a cause for concern as long as you are able to move all parts of your body and complete your normal daily activities, even if you have to work a little harder to get things done.

Weakness that does not have an obvious cause, such as overexertion or a viral or bacterial illness, or that does not get better or go away is more of a concern.

Sudden, severe generalized muscle weakness may be caused by a serious problem, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure. Weakness that is rapidly getting worse may be caused by poisoning, such as botulism, or a nervous system problem, such as a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Muscle weakness that comes on suddenly or is getting progressively worse requires a visit to a health professional.

On rare occasions, generalized muscle weakness is caused by another health problem, such as:

• Cancer, such as lung cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma.
• Problems with the thyroid gland, which regulates the way the body uses energy.
  • A low thyroid level (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weakness, lethargy, weight gain, depression, memory problems, constipation, dry skin, intolerance to cold, coarse and thinning hair, brittle nails, or a yellowish tint to the skin.
  • A high thyroid level (hyperthyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight loss, increased heart rate, intolerance to heat, sweating, irritability, anxiety, muscle weakness, and thyroid enlargement.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness in the legs, arms, and other muscles and that can progress to complete paralysis.
• Myasthenia gravis, a rare, chronic disorder that causes weakness and rapid muscle fatigue.
• A problem with the minerals (electrolytes) found naturally in the body, such as low levels of potassium or sodium.

See your health professional if your generalized weakness is so severe that you cannot complete your normal daily activities.

Credits

Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	, Tracy Landauer