[47F] Experiencing significant arm muscle weakness

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female reports experiencing muscle weakness in her arms for the past 3 months, which she rates as an 8 on a severity scale of 1-10. The weakness does not improve with rest and, in fact, appears to be more pronounced after periods of rest. This condition has made lifting objects difficult for her. There have been no recent injuries or accidents that could account for the muscle weakness, and no other symptoms have been reported alongside it.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Myasthenia Gravis: This is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The weakness tends to get worse with activity and improve with rest.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to help improve muscle strength and reduce the body's immune response.
  • Polymyositis: This is a type of muscle disease called an inflammatory myopathy. It can cause muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body. Polymyositis can make it hard to climb stairs, rise from a seated position, lift objects, or reach overhead. In some cases, muscles may ache and be tender to the touch.

    • Treatment often involves medications to help control inflammation and improve muscle strength.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, and pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints.

    • Treatment typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following:

  1. Rest and avoid overexertion to help manage your symptoms.
  2. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
  3. Keep a symptom diary to track when your symptoms are worse or better. This can help your doctor make a diagnosis.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If you notice difficulty swallowing or changes in your voice.
  • If you develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  • If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Common symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis include muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.


How is Polymyositis diagnosed and treated?

Polymyositis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests for muscle enzymes, electromyography, and sometimes a muscle biopsy. Treatment often involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation and improve muscle strength.


What are the signs of hypothyroidism that I should be aware of?

Signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, and joint pain. If you suspect hypothyroidism, a blood test measuring thyroid hormone levels can confirm the diagnosis.


When should I seek urgent medical attention for muscle weakness?

You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty swallowing, changes in your voice, difficulty breathing, or if your muscle weakness suddenly worsens or is accompanied by new symptoms.

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