Question 1

i have one-sided weakness/atrophy. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

One-sided weakness: Were you evaluated for a stroke? If not, it is imperative that you are immediately evaluated. Otherwise, I recommend you visit a physician who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. A physiatrist can assist you with the proper orthotics and occupational/physical therapy that you need to optimize your life. Good luck.

Question 2

what different between muscle weakness and muscle atrophy?

Accepted Answer

One is observed: Generally speaking, muscle weakness is something a patient perceives and something that we can test for in physical examination by doing a manual muscle test, etc.  Atrophy is something we observe or visualize.  
In some cases they can be caused by the same thing (ex. nerve injury, immobilization, joint trauma), sometimes they are separate issues.

Question 3

could shoulder atrophy cause neck muscle weakness?

Accepted Answer

very unusual: They are likely related to a similar cause. The potential list of causes can range from; poor postural mechanics, nerve root dysfunction from the neck region, muscular dystrophy and even some types of arthritis.  It really warrants an evaluation from a specialist if you have not seen one yet.

Question 4

what causes unilateral lower leg muscle weakness and atrophy?

Accepted Answer

1leg weakness: The most common cause of weakness and atrophy in 1 leg would be a chronic herniated disk in the spine, which has gone on long enough to damage the nerve. If so, this would be an indicated for surgery. Other spinal cord lesions could do it also--tumor, clot, infection, vascular malformation. How long has it been going on? Was there any pain? Any tingling? Any other symptoms?

Question 5

25 yo male with increasing neck pain, perceived atrophy in neck & arms accompanied by twitching (fasciculations) perceived weakness, no clinical weakness. clean mri of c-spine & brain. negative for syrinx, vitamin e, b12, b6, b1, d, mag all normal?

Accepted Answer

: For peace of mind and reassurance consult a neurologist with a special interest in neuromuscular disorders at a department of neurology at a university hospital near you. Bring records of all imaging &amp; lab results.

Question 6

is it possible for hand to develop atrophy within a week? also, if you have hand atrophy will you have noticeable weakness?

Accepted Answer

If immobilized: If for a variety of reasons, hand is immobilized over a week, there will be atrophy, but restoration rapidly occurs with hand therapy.  Weakness can accompany the atrophy.

Question 7

how many months/years are required to follow up generalised fasciculations, no weakness, atrophy, normal blood tests and emg to confirm it's benign?

Accepted Answer

Fasciculations: As long as the symptoms persist I would continue to follow up. Good Luck

Question 8

i have a pinched nerve that has lead to muscle weakness/atrophy.  will i regain my strength and muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Weakness & Atrophy: Significant weakness may be a sign of permanent nerve injury. Continued nerve pain with weakness would indicate an "active" nerve compression and a clear indication for surgery. Strength can improve but muscle atrophy may not change if the process is chronic, greater than 6 months.

Question 9

how do you know if you have muscle atrophy? will you feel weakness, or can it present as pain in back and joints?

Accepted Answer

Loss of mass: atrophy refers to loss of muscle mass, which will appear as a shrinking of the muscle.  It is specially noticeable when in one limb.  Whether or not it causes weakness depends on the amount of muscle lost.  atrophy due to under use can occur in the back.

Question 10

i left strenght training 3 months ago. now there are muscle twitching in my whole body, no weakness , no atrophy. but nowthere are pins & needle (leg)?

Accepted Answer

One possibility..: Although rare, there is a neurologic condition, benign fasciculation syndrome characterized by twitches, cramping, tingling without weakness (that is a quick summary).  See a neurologist or a physiatrist for evaluation to be sure.  Whether it is this or something else, physical exam can reveal a lot.  It could be a simple electrolyte imbalance. If neurologic, the nerves can be tested easily.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between atrophy and weakness

A member asked:

I have one-sided weakness/atrophy. what can i do?

A member asked:

What different between muscle weakness and muscle atrophy?

A member asked:

Could shoulder atrophy cause neck muscle weakness?

A member asked:

What causes unilateral lower leg muscle weakness and atrophy?

A member asked:

25 yo male with increasing neck pain, perceived atrophy in neck & arms accompanied by twitching (fasciculations) perceived weakness, no clinical weakness. clean mri of c-spine & brain. negative for syrinx, vitamin e, b12, b6, b1, d, mag all normal?

A member asked:

Is it possible for hand to develop atrophy within a week? also, if you have hand atrophy will you have noticeable weakness?

A member asked:

How many months/years are required to follow up generalised fasciculations, no weakness, atrophy, normal blood tests and emg to confirm it's benign?

A member asked:

I have a pinched nerve that has lead to muscle weakness/atrophy. will i regain my strength and muscle mass?

A member asked:

How do you know if you have muscle atrophy? will you feel weakness, or can it present as pain in back and joints?

A member asked:

I left strenght training 3 months ago. now there are muscle twitching in my whole body, no weakness , no atrophy. but nowthere are pins & needle (leg)?

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