diagnosing muscle weakness

    
      Re: diagnosing muscle weakness
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF Neuro MD *!* on December 15, 1997 at 09:58:13:

In Reply to: diagnosing muscle weakness posted by Darlene on December 15, 1997 at 08:17:35:

: Hello.....I was looking for advice concerning diagnosing
  muscle weakness.I have had trouble standing for long periods
  of time for at least 2 years now....which would give me intense
   lower back pain for a day or two after standing. I thought it
  was related to an old back injury. Then I had a very bad cold
  in october which lasted 3 weeks.After this cold(I did not
   treat it) I had muscle weakness in both legs and arms with
   tremors in the right arm after overuse. The weakness varies
  and is better with rest and worse after activity.The doctor
  has told me it is a post viral syndrome and it could last
  a long time. I am better since off work but have to sit
  frequently during the day and rest.He is sending me to
  a neurologist. After researching the net I'm concerned
  it may be something else and wonder what to expect from
  the neurlolgist's evaluation to reassure me I have the right
   diagnosis.Thnks for listening......Darlene
==========================================================================
I would not worry unduly that your previous label of post viral syndrome will have much influence on your evaluation. Patients arrive to neurologists with a wide variety of labels from their primary care physicians, however while we respect the professional credentials of the referring doctor this  is not allowed to stand in the way of a completely fresh look at the problem. Each patient is assessed by means of a detailed history and neurological examination which is modified to concentrate on the particular pattern of presentation.
Usually muscle weakness is due to a problem in either the muscle itself or the nerves supplying the muscles.
In your case given the pattern of your weakness a number of basic blood tests should be performed for example  :
CK testing , this is a structural protein released from damaged muscle; ESR or SedRate, this is a marker for inflammatory conditions which cause weakness, also testing for Myasthenia gravis and possibly thyroid and Autoimmune diseases. If this is not helpful the further options include EMG which looks at electrical activity in muscles and nerves and possibly muscle biopsy.
At this stage the range of possibilities is very wide , but includes many disorders which are very treatable. The specific tests ordered will depend on the details of your history and  in particular  physical examination.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.