There are many causes for arm weakness from serious to not terribly serious. In my article for this topic, I will give an overview on some of the common causes.
A serious medical condition known as Addison’s Disease is a hormonal disorder of the endocrine system. One of the main symptoms is that you have muscle weakness in the arms and general overall weakness, along with things like no appetite, fainting, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Addison’s Disease itself is caused by not making enough of the cortisol hormone. Treatment for Addison’s Disease involves replacing of the cortisol hormones that are missing.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a very serious and grave condition where the use of muscle control is gradually lost. Other symptoms that indicate the possibility of ALS are twitching and stiffness in the extremeties, trouble in speaking, and trouble chewing and swallowing foods. This disorder is progressive, and sometimes rapidly progressive. Treatments for ALS involve a lot of supportive medical therapy and medicines to keep the person comfortable.
Botulism is another possible cause for weakness in an arm or other muscles. Other symptoms from botulism are disturbed vision, lethargy and slurred speech, and trouble in coordination. When anyone has botulism, it means hospitaliztion and sometimes requires intensive care if the person is struggling to breathe. Laxatives and enemas are required to remove the offending organisms from the body.
Diabetic Neuropathy is a cause of arm weakness. If you have had diabetes for a number of years and suddenly have weak arms, depending upon what type of neuropathy it is, there will be certain sets of symptoms connected with it. Peripheral Neuropathy for instance will have symptoms not only of arm weakness, but alot of pain and burning in the extremeties. Treating diabetic neuropathy involves the use of oral medications that help the pain and weakness as a result.
Multiple Sclerosis has symptoms of arm weakness that can vary in their intensity. Along with that, there is spasms in the muscles, memory loss, fatigue and a lot of speech impairments. MS, though it can have remission periods, is also degenerative over time. Treating MS involves supportive care and medications for the pains experienced such as anti-inflammatory medications.
Any facial nerve problems or Bell’s Palsy can cause a person to have a weakness in the arm. Other symptoms include a face that is weak and droopy on one side, trouble tasting foods, and a problem with dry eyes. Physical therapy along with neuromuscular re-training often helps the person with Bell’s Palsy.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an immune system attack that is aimed at a portion of the peripheral nervous system. As symptoms appear in this medical condition which is serious, there will be weakness in the arms, along with weak legs, and lost reflexes. If the case is really severe, this condition will affect the heart to the point where a respirator is needed.
Strokes can cause arm weakness along with a droopy face, inability to speak suddenly, and confusion. Other symptoms can also include impairment in vision and the inability to walk suddenly. One other common symptom is a severe headache. Treatment all depends upon whether you have an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke which might require surgery. Medications known as TPA are usually given if it is done within 3 hours of the stroke.
If your arm or wrist has been injured this can cause a weakness in that area. If you suspect that you have a wrist or arm break or strain, see your doctor for an x-ray.
If you have any of the symptoms of the various illnesses I have talked about here, see your doctor very soon. If you suspect that the arm weakness is due to stroke, get help right away and waste no time.
