Rs Neurology

If you have weakness of limbs, you might describe it as feeling tired in the arms and legs, having reduced power, or sometimes not being able to use your limbs at all. If it does not resolve on its own, or if there are other significant symptoms you have as well, this could be an indication of a few more serious conditions.

A stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) is likely to be the cause of your limb weakness if you are older, or have known stroke risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of stroke or heart attacks. If you are having a stroke, you might feel weakness in half your body or your whole body. If you think this might be the cause of your limb weakness, get help immediately, as a stroke is a serious medical emergency.

Brain tumours could also cause weakness of limbs if developing in the frontal lobe or parietal lobe.

Myopathy is a general term that refers to diseases that affect muscles in the body, also known as neuromuscular disorders. The main sign of myopathy is muscle paralysis or weakness, though symptoms differ depending on the type of myopathy and its development stage. With myopathy, you will most likely find it more difficult to move around as well.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to conditions resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves are the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, and they work to send information from the central nervous system to other parts of the body. These can cause limb weakness when damaged.

Motor neurone diseases (MND) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that deteriorate the motor neurons, causing the nerves in your spine and brain to gradually lose function over time. These diseases can cause limb muscle weakness and cramps.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord, part of the central nervous system. If you have MS, you might have numbness, tingling, muscle fatigue and even muscle paralysis. These symptoms may be temporary or long-lasting.

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the nerve root, the initial segment of a nerve leaving your central nervous system, of the cervical spine becomes compressed, damaged or inflamed. If you have cervical radiculopathy, you may experience muscle weakness or a tingling pins-and-needles sensation in your arms and fingers. You may also find yourself having a lack of coordination or being more clumsy than usual.

Cervical myelopathy occurs when your spinal cord is compressed. You may experience muscle weakness or a tingling pins-and-needles sensation in your arms and fingers. For example, you may notice yourself not being able to write or grip things properly.

Find out more about these neurological disorders today, and if you suspect you might have any of them because of any limb weakness, speak to your doctor about it today.