Muscle Weakness (Hypotonia)

Also known as: hypotonia, muscle wasting, myasthenia.

What is muscle weakness?

A general lack of strength in one area of the body or many areas of the body is known as muscle weakness. It’s more of a symptom than a specific condition, and it can have many causes.

What causes muscle weakness?

Several other conditions can lead to abnormal muscle weakness. These might be related to glands producing not enough or too much of a certain hormone. Diseases that impact the brain and nervous system, or specifically impact the muscles, can also cause problems. Malnutrition or poisoning are other possible causes.

What are the symptoms of muscle weakness?

Lack of strength or difficulty moving a specific body part are the primary symptoms. You can also feel weak without having any actual loss of strength, which is known as subjective weakness.

What are muscle weakness treatment options?

In some cases, treating the underlying condition can help with the associated muscle weakness. Strengthening exercises, physical therapy and occupational therapy can also help with muscle weakness.


Reviewed by: Dr. Monica M Payares-Lizano, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:12 PM