Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStrokeTransient Ischemic Attack (TIA)Autoimmune DiseasesSpinal ConditionsALSNeuropathyMyopathyDrug ToxicityCancerWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stroke
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Autoimmune Diseases
Spinal Conditions
ALS
Neuropathy
Myopathy
Drug Toxicity
Cancer
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Weakness in the legs can be due to a spine or leg injury, but other potential causes can include diabetic neuropathy, cancer, stroke,myasthenia gravis, and more.It is a common symptom of many different health conditions and injuries. Not all reasons for this common symptom are serious, but some require immediate medical care.
Treatment can include conservative measures, such as improved exercise or avoiding vitamin D deficiency to help muscles work better.Many people benefit from treatment of an underlying condition, likemultiple sclerosis, while others may require surgery to repair a spinal condition.
Geber 86 / Getty Images
Astrokeis also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A stroke occurs when blood flow to a region of the brain is interrupted or when there is sudden bleeding in the brain. Several areas of the brain work together to move your legs.
When leg weakness occurs as a result of a stroke, it comes on suddenly. Usually just one leg is affected.
The acronym FAST can help you determine whether you or someone else is having a stroke:
Also, watch for:
If you have a stroke, getting quicktreatmentsignificantly boosts your chance of recovery. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help some people regain function.
Atransient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, but only briefly (as opposed to a stroke, in which blood flow is interrupted for long enough that it can cause irreparable damage to the affected area of the brain).
Symptoms of a TIA come on suddenly and are similar to stroke symptoms, but they usually go away within an hour. Still, since there is no way to tell if someone is having a TIA or a stroke, both should be considered an emergency.
In addition to weakness in the leg(s), TIA symptoms include:
A TIA is often a warning sign that someone is at risk for a more serious stroke. Approximately one-third of people who have a TIA will have a stroke in the future.
Aspirin and antiplatelet medications are typically prescribed for people at high risk of a stroke.
Anautoimmune diseaseis one in which the body’s immune system, which usually attacks intruders like viruses and bacteria, attacks itself. There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases. Here are some common ones that can cause leg weakness.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barrésyndrome (GBS)is a nerve disease. It affects between 3,000 and 6,000 Americans per year.
GBS is different from stroke because it affects the nerves, not the brain, and it affects both sides of the body. GBS typically starts with tingling or numbness in both feet. From there, symptoms progress to:
The most dangerous possible complication of GBS is impaired breathing.This can be fatal.
Call 911Get emergency medical help if you have sudden numbness or weakness in your legs or feet.
Call 911
Get emergency medical help if you have sudden numbness or weakness in your legs or feet.
Healthcare providers closely monitor the oxygen levels of people with GBS. You may need to be put on a machine to help you breathe and get enough oxygen until you recover.
Medications for GBS can reduce the symptoms and hasten recovery. Most people with GBS survive, but some have persistent leg sensations or moderate weakness for months or years.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the protective covering of nerve cells (myelin) of the brain, spinal cord, and/or eyes.
MS often causes weakness in one leg, but it can also affect both legs. Other symptoms of an MS flare include:
Early Leg WeaknessMS symptoms tend to be vague at first. One-sided leg weakness can be an early sign, and it may range from mild to severe.
Early Leg Weakness
MS symptoms tend to be vague at first. One-sided leg weakness can be an early sign, and it may range from mild to severe.
Multiple sclerosis symptomstypically come and go. Episodes may last for a few weeks or months. They generally improve but may have some lasting effects.
If your symptoms are vague and intermittent, get an appointment with your regular healthcare provider. MS is a serious, chronic condition but not usually a medical emergency.
AnMS diagnosistakes time and a lot of tests. Severaleffective treatmentsare available.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis(MG) is a condition that causes profound muscle weakness as a result of the immune system attacking receptors on muscle tissue. Weakness in the legs is among the common symptoms.
Other symptoms include:
While there is no cure yet for myasthenia gravis, symptoms can be managed with treatments that include immunosuppressant drugs, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, andplasma exchange (plasmapheresis).
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s diseaseis a condition that affects the brain and nervous system. People with Parkinson’s disease gradually lose their ability to control their movements. One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is weakness in the legs.
Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but the symptoms can be controlled with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Conditions that affect the spine and spinal cord that often cause weak legs include:
Pinched Nerve
Apinched nervein the spine can cause leg weakness and/or numbness. It may affect one or both sides.
Generally, a pinched nerve starts with mild or moderate tingling or discomfort and slowly gets worse. Sometimes, pain and weakness can become severe.
Other symptoms of apinched nerve symptomsinclude:
Treatments for a pinched nerve include physical therapy, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and cortisone injections.
Sciatica
In most cases, sciatica resolves with conservative treatment including exercises, application of ice packs and/or heat, and pain medications.
Herniated Disc
Aherniated, or “slipped” discoccurs when the soft, rubbery round discs that cushion and absorb shock in the vertebrae rupture and protrude, compressing spinal nerves and causing inflammation. This can cause weakness in one leg, in addition to:
Symptoms of herniated discs often resolve with rest and conservative treatment, including medication.Physical therapy may be necessary, and some people require surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosisrefers to a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis), often in older people. Osteoarthritis is a common cause.
Other symptoms aside from weakness in the legs include:
Treatments for spinal stenosis includephysical therapyto strengthen your leg muscles,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, andcortisone injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Spinal and Leg Trauma
A traumatic injury to the spine, leg, or pelvic region can result in weakness in the legs due to damaged muscles, nerves, or joints. Spinal injury, especially, can be quite serious.
Usually, an injury as severe as this causes a lot of pain, and symptoms will come on suddenly. But if you have severe damage to your spine or a spinal nerve, you might not feel it. Treatments depend on the specific type and extent of the injury.
Always treat a traumatic injury to the legs or spine as an emergency. Prompt medical care can prevent permanent damage and leg weakness.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a relatively uncommon, incurable disease. It generally gets worse within a few years of diagnosis.
ALS causes body weakness but doesn’t interfere with thinking or vision. It typically begins with tingling and weakness, which can be in the legs. Muscle twitches usually occur later as the disease progresses.
This disease affects both sides of the body. Even so, early symptoms may be more noticeable on one side.
ALS weakness can become severe throughout the body. Muscles of the mouth may become too weak for speech.
Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but symptoms can be managed with medications to help reduce fatigue, easemuscle cramps, and lessen pain. New technologies are making it easier for people with ALS to communicate through eye movements.
Neuropathyis pain that results from damaged nerves. Common causes include uncontrolled diabetes, excessive alcohol use, and nutritional deficiencies.It can result in leg weakness if motor nerves are involved, and can sometimes interfere with mobility.
Symptoms of neuropathy tend to come on gradually and affect both sides. They include:
See your healthcare provider if you experience odd sensations in your feet or legs. It is important to get a diagnosis before the damage progresses.
Neuropathy can be managed but usually not reversed. Treatment may include pain relievers, prescription medications, and/or lidocaine patches and injections. In some cases, neuropathy can be treated with surgery.
Diseases of the muscles are calledmyopathies.They usually manifest with weakness of the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
Examples of myopathies include:
Some of these are genetic. Others are not and may develop during adulthood. They can impact one or both legs.
Myopathy symptoms generally start gradually and progress over time. Some types of myopathy may become severe within a few days or weeks of starting.
Myopathies can be diagnosed withelectromyography (EMG)and nerve conduction studies. Treatments can include supportive braces, physical therapy, and medications.
Certain medications can cause leg weakness. Sometimes this is because the dosage is too high or due to an individual reaction to a certain drug.
Drugs that can cause weakness in the legs include:
Lead, arsenic, mercury, and other toxins also cause weakness in the legs, as can consuming too much alcohol (though this is temporary).
Other symptoms and side effects due to medications or exposure to toxins include:
If you develop weakness after starting a new medication, tell your healthcare provider right away. You may be experiencing toxicity and will need to stop the medication or have your dosage adjusted.
Canceris one of the least likely causes of leg weakness. However, leg weakness can occasionally be the first sign of a brain or spinal tumor.
Cancer can also metastasize (spread) to the brain or spine, causing weakness in the legs. Symptoms can be sudden and may affect one side or both.
Let your healthcare provider know about your symptoms right away. Many tumors can be effectively treated with surgery,radiation, and/or chemotherapy. A spinal cord compression from a metastatic tumor may require urgent treatment with high-dose steroids.
CausesCALL 911?Sudden?One or Both Sides?Also Watch ForStrokeYesYesUsually oneWeakness on one side of the face and/or one arm; difficulty speaking; slurring words; confusion; dizzinessTransient Ischemic AttackYesYesUsually oneVision changes; dizziness; difficulty speakingSciaticaNoNoUsually onePain that shoots along the back of the leg from the back down to the footSpinal StenosisNoNoEitherPain; stiffnessGuillain-Barré SyndromeYesYesBoth sidesFoot weakness that spreads upward in the legs, arms, and chestMultiple SclerosisNoRarelyUsually oneVision changes; odd sensationsPinched NerveIf spinal trauma is involvedIf spinal trauma is involvedEitherSharp, dull, or shooting pain; tinglingSlipped or Herniated DiscNoRarelyUsually oneNumbness; tingling; painSpinal or Leg TraumaYesYesUsually one, depending on the injuryPain; numbness; inability to walkAmyotrophic Lateral SclerosisNoNoBoth, but may start on one sideSlight muscle twitches; tinglingNeuropathyNoNoUsually bothPain; numbness; tinglingMyopathyNoRarelyVariesDiminished muscle toneMyasthenia GravisNoNoUsually bothWeakness of eyelid muscles and breathing musclesToxinsNot usuallyRarelyBoth sidesNew medication; exposure to toxinsCancerYesYesEitherHistory of cancer; any other symptomsParkinson’s DiseaseNoSometimesEitherTremor; movement problems; changes in posture and gaitWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderGradual-onset leg weakness typically suggests a neurologic or metabolic cause.It always warrants a visit to your healthcare provider. Often, catching the problem early can keep it from getting worse.Sudden onset symptoms can mean injury, infection, or cardiovascular problems that require immediate medical attention.Contact your healthcare provider or call 911 if you experience:Sudden weaknessStroke symptoms (facial drooping, weak limbs, slurred speech)Weakness or numbness that starts in the feet and moves upwardLoss of bladder or bowel controlKnown or suspected spinal injuriesInjuries that prevent walkingLeg weakness that develops after you have already been diagnosed with cancerSummaryWeakness in the legs is a common symptom of many health conditions and injuries, including autoimmune diseases, spinal conditions and injuries, and stroke. Often, leg weakness will resolve over time, but in some cases, it can be a medical emergency, especially if the weakness comes on suddenly. Treatment for leg weakness depends on the severity of the underlying cause.
Gradual-onset leg weakness typically suggests a neurologic or metabolic cause.It always warrants a visit to your healthcare provider. Often, catching the problem early can keep it from getting worse.
Sudden onset symptoms can mean injury, infection, or cardiovascular problems that require immediate medical attention.Contact your healthcare provider or call 911 if you experience:
Summary
Weakness in the legs is a common symptom of many health conditions and injuries, including autoimmune diseases, spinal conditions and injuries, and stroke. Often, leg weakness will resolve over time, but in some cases, it can be a medical emergency, especially if the weakness comes on suddenly. Treatment for leg weakness depends on the severity of the underlying cause.
35 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis.Haddad H, Rotblatt M.A case report of sudden-onset upper and lower extremity weakness.Phys Sportsmed. 2015;43(1):104-105. doi:10.1080/00913847.2015.1001715Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Deficiency.NIH National Institute on Aging.Stroke: signs, causes, and treatment.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.American Stroke Association.Why getting quick stroke treatment is important.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Transient Ischemic Attack.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré syndrome.Noioso CM, Bevilacqua L, Acerra GM, et al.Miller Fisher syndrome: an updated narrative review.Front Neurol.2023;14:1250774. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1250774Garg M.Respiratory involvement in Guillain-Barre syndrome: The uncharted road to recovery.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2017;8(3):325-326. doi:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_96_17R1NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré syndrome.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Hauser SL, Cree BAC.Treatment of multiple sclerosis: A review.Am J Med. 2020;133(12):1380-1390.e2. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.049Tannemaat MR, Huijbers MG, Verschuuren JJGM.Myasthenia gravis-Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Handb Clin Neurol. 2024;200:283-305. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-823912-4.00026-8Alonso-Juarez M, Fekete R, Baizabal-Carvallo JF.Objective and self-perceived lower limb weakness in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022;15:17562864221136903. doi:10.1177/17562864221136903Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing osteoarthritis of the spine.Cedars-Sinai.Pinched nerve.Jensen R K, Kongsted A, Kjaer P, Koes B.Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica.BMJ2019; 367 :l6273 doi:10.1136/bmj.l6273Awadalla AM, Aljulayfi AS, Alrowaili AR, Souror H, Alowid F, Mahdi AMM, et al.Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 29;15(10):e47908. doi:10.7759/cureus.47908Webb CW, Aguirre K, Seidenberg PH.Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2024 Apr;109(4):350-359. PMID: 38648834Sun J, Yuan W, Zheng R, Zhang C, Guan B, Ding J, et al.Traumatic spinal injury-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2016-2019: a retrospective study.Int J Surg. 2023 Dec 1;109(12):3827-3835. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000000696Alizadeh A, Dyck SM, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S.Traumatic spinal cord injury: An overview of pathophysiology, models and acute injury mechanisms.Front Neurol. 2019;10:282. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00282NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).ALS Association.Augmentative and alternative communication.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, et al.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int. 2015;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Finnerup NB, Kuner R, Jensen TS.Neuropathic pain: From mechanisms to treatment.Physiol Rev. 2021;101(1):259-301. doi:10.1152/physrev.00045.2019Johns Hopkins Medicine.Peripheral neuropathy.Essouma M.Autoimmune inflammatory myopathy biomarkers.Clin Chim Acta. 2024 Jan 15;553:117742. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117742Finsterer J, Löscher WN, Wanschitz J, Quasthoff S, Grisold W.Secondary myopathy due to systemic diseases.Acta Neurol Scand. 2016;134(6):388-402. doi:10.1111/ane.12576Manie M.Meeting the challenges in the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.S Afr Med J. 2015;105(12):1076. doi:10.7196/samj.2015.v105i12.10226Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Muscular Dystrophy.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Inflammatory myopathies.Latronico N, Rasulo FA, Eikermann M, Piva S.Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.Crit Care. 2023 Nov 13;27(1):439. doi:10.1186/s13054-023-04676-3Waning DL, Guise TA.Cancer-associated muscle weakness: What’s bone got to do with it?Bonekey Rep. 2015;4:691. doi:10.1038/bonekey.2015.59Additional ReadingCho OH, Yoo YS, Kim JC, Park RH, Hwang KH.Factors influencing lower urinary tract symptoms in advanced cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.Int Neurourol J. 2018;22(3):192-9. doi:10.5213/inj.1836084.042 Epub 2018 Sep 28.Pasnoor M, Barohn RJ, Dimachkie MM.Toxic myopathies.Curr Opin Neurol. 2018;31(5):575-82. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000606
35 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis.Haddad H, Rotblatt M.A case report of sudden-onset upper and lower extremity weakness.Phys Sportsmed. 2015;43(1):104-105. doi:10.1080/00913847.2015.1001715Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Deficiency.NIH National Institute on Aging.Stroke: signs, causes, and treatment.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.American Stroke Association.Why getting quick stroke treatment is important.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Transient Ischemic Attack.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré syndrome.Noioso CM, Bevilacqua L, Acerra GM, et al.Miller Fisher syndrome: an updated narrative review.Front Neurol.2023;14:1250774. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1250774Garg M.Respiratory involvement in Guillain-Barre syndrome: The uncharted road to recovery.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2017;8(3):325-326. doi:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_96_17R1NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré syndrome.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Hauser SL, Cree BAC.Treatment of multiple sclerosis: A review.Am J Med. 2020;133(12):1380-1390.e2. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.049Tannemaat MR, Huijbers MG, Verschuuren JJGM.Myasthenia gravis-Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Handb Clin Neurol. 2024;200:283-305. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-823912-4.00026-8Alonso-Juarez M, Fekete R, Baizabal-Carvallo JF.Objective and self-perceived lower limb weakness in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022;15:17562864221136903. doi:10.1177/17562864221136903Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing osteoarthritis of the spine.Cedars-Sinai.Pinched nerve.Jensen R K, Kongsted A, Kjaer P, Koes B.Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica.BMJ2019; 367 :l6273 doi:10.1136/bmj.l6273Awadalla AM, Aljulayfi AS, Alrowaili AR, Souror H, Alowid F, Mahdi AMM, et al.Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 29;15(10):e47908. doi:10.7759/cureus.47908Webb CW, Aguirre K, Seidenberg PH.Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2024 Apr;109(4):350-359. PMID: 38648834Sun J, Yuan W, Zheng R, Zhang C, Guan B, Ding J, et al.Traumatic spinal injury-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2016-2019: a retrospective study.Int J Surg. 2023 Dec 1;109(12):3827-3835. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000000696Alizadeh A, Dyck SM, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S.Traumatic spinal cord injury: An overview of pathophysiology, models and acute injury mechanisms.Front Neurol. 2019;10:282. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00282NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).ALS Association.Augmentative and alternative communication.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, et al.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int. 2015;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Finnerup NB, Kuner R, Jensen TS.Neuropathic pain: From mechanisms to treatment.Physiol Rev. 2021;101(1):259-301. doi:10.1152/physrev.00045.2019Johns Hopkins Medicine.Peripheral neuropathy.Essouma M.Autoimmune inflammatory myopathy biomarkers.Clin Chim Acta. 2024 Jan 15;553:117742. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117742Finsterer J, Löscher WN, Wanschitz J, Quasthoff S, Grisold W.Secondary myopathy due to systemic diseases.Acta Neurol Scand. 2016;134(6):388-402. doi:10.1111/ane.12576Manie M.Meeting the challenges in the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.S Afr Med J. 2015;105(12):1076. doi:10.7196/samj.2015.v105i12.10226Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Muscular Dystrophy.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Inflammatory myopathies.Latronico N, Rasulo FA, Eikermann M, Piva S.Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.Crit Care. 2023 Nov 13;27(1):439. doi:10.1186/s13054-023-04676-3Waning DL, Guise TA.Cancer-associated muscle weakness: What’s bone got to do with it?Bonekey Rep. 2015;4:691. doi:10.1038/bonekey.2015.59Additional ReadingCho OH, Yoo YS, Kim JC, Park RH, Hwang KH.Factors influencing lower urinary tract symptoms in advanced cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.Int Neurourol J. 2018;22(3):192-9. doi:10.5213/inj.1836084.042 Epub 2018 Sep 28.Pasnoor M, Barohn RJ, Dimachkie MM.Toxic myopathies.Curr Opin Neurol. 2018;31(5):575-82. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000606
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis.Haddad H, Rotblatt M.A case report of sudden-onset upper and lower extremity weakness.Phys Sportsmed. 2015;43(1):104-105. doi:10.1080/00913847.2015.1001715Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Deficiency.NIH National Institute on Aging.Stroke: signs, causes, and treatment.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.American Stroke Association.Why getting quick stroke treatment is important.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Transient Ischemic Attack.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré syndrome.Noioso CM, Bevilacqua L, Acerra GM, et al.Miller Fisher syndrome: an updated narrative review.Front Neurol.2023;14:1250774. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1250774Garg M.Respiratory involvement in Guillain-Barre syndrome: The uncharted road to recovery.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2017;8(3):325-326. doi:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_96_17R1NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré syndrome.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Hauser SL, Cree BAC.Treatment of multiple sclerosis: A review.Am J Med. 2020;133(12):1380-1390.e2. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.049Tannemaat MR, Huijbers MG, Verschuuren JJGM.Myasthenia gravis-Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Handb Clin Neurol. 2024;200:283-305. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-823912-4.00026-8Alonso-Juarez M, Fekete R, Baizabal-Carvallo JF.Objective and self-perceived lower limb weakness in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022;15:17562864221136903. doi:10.1177/17562864221136903Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing osteoarthritis of the spine.Cedars-Sinai.Pinched nerve.Jensen R K, Kongsted A, Kjaer P, Koes B.Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica.BMJ2019; 367 :l6273 doi:10.1136/bmj.l6273Awadalla AM, Aljulayfi AS, Alrowaili AR, Souror H, Alowid F, Mahdi AMM, et al.Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 29;15(10):e47908. doi:10.7759/cureus.47908Webb CW, Aguirre K, Seidenberg PH.Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management.Am Fam Physician. 2024 Apr;109(4):350-359. PMID: 38648834Sun J, Yuan W, Zheng R, Zhang C, Guan B, Ding J, et al.Traumatic spinal injury-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2016-2019: a retrospective study.Int J Surg. 2023 Dec 1;109(12):3827-3835. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000000696Alizadeh A, Dyck SM, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S.Traumatic spinal cord injury: An overview of pathophysiology, models and acute injury mechanisms.Front Neurol. 2019;10:282. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00282NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).ALS Association.Augmentative and alternative communication.Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, et al.A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Surg Neurol Int. 2015;6:171. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.169561Finnerup NB, Kuner R, Jensen TS.Neuropathic pain: From mechanisms to treatment.Physiol Rev. 2021;101(1):259-301. doi:10.1152/physrev.00045.2019Johns Hopkins Medicine.Peripheral neuropathy.Essouma M.Autoimmune inflammatory myopathy biomarkers.Clin Chim Acta. 2024 Jan 15;553:117742. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117742Finsterer J, Löscher WN, Wanschitz J, Quasthoff S, Grisold W.Secondary myopathy due to systemic diseases.Acta Neurol Scand. 2016;134(6):388-402. doi:10.1111/ane.12576Manie M.Meeting the challenges in the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.S Afr Med J. 2015;105(12):1076. doi:10.7196/samj.2015.v105i12.10226Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Muscular Dystrophy.NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Inflammatory myopathies.Latronico N, Rasulo FA, Eikermann M, Piva S.Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.Crit Care. 2023 Nov 13;27(1):439. doi:10.1186/s13054-023-04676-3Waning DL, Guise TA.Cancer-associated muscle weakness: What’s bone got to do with it?Bonekey Rep. 2015;4:691. doi:10.1038/bonekey.2015.59
American Academy of Family Physicians.Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis.
Haddad H, Rotblatt M.A case report of sudden-onset upper and lower extremity weakness.Phys Sportsmed. 2015;43(1):104-105. doi:10.1080/00913847.2015.1001715
Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Deficiency.
NIH National Institute on Aging.Stroke: signs, causes, and treatment.
American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.
American Stroke Association.Why getting quick stroke treatment is important.
NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Transient Ischemic Attack.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Noioso CM, Bevilacqua L, Acerra GM, et al.Miller Fisher syndrome: an updated narrative review.Front Neurol.2023;14:1250774. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1250774
Garg M.Respiratory involvement in Guillain-Barre syndrome: The uncharted road to recovery.J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2017;8(3):325-326. doi:10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_96_17R1
NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Guillain-Barré syndrome.
MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.
Hauser SL, Cree BAC.Treatment of multiple sclerosis: A review.Am J Med. 2020;133(12):1380-1390.e2. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.049
Tannemaat MR, Huijbers MG, Verschuuren JJGM.Myasthenia gravis-Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.Handb Clin Neurol. 2024;200:283-305. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-823912-4.00026-8
Alonso-Juarez M, Fekete R, Baizabal-Carvallo JF.Objective and self-perceived lower limb weakness in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2022;15:17562864221136903. doi:10.1177/17562864221136903
Parkinson’s Foundation.Stages of Parkinson’s.
NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing osteoarthritis of the spine.
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