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Muscle function loss

Definition

Muscle function loss is when a muscle doesn't work or move as it is supposed to. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.

Alternative Names

Paralysis; Loss of movement

Considerations

In the United States, loss of muscle function most often results from stroke or injury such as broken neck or back. The loss of muscle function following such events can be severe and frequently is irreversible.

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent. It can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized). It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).

If the paralysis affects the lower half of the body and both legs it is called paraplegia. It if affects all arms and legs, it is called quadriplegia.

Common Causes

Causes of paralysis include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Bell's palsy
• Botulism
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Paralytic shellfish poisoning
• Peroneal dystrophy
• Polio
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

Home Care

Loss of muscle function is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help.

After you have receive medical treatment, your doctor may recommend some of the following measures:

Follow prescribed therapy.

If head nerves are damaged, you may have difficulty with chewing and swallowing. In these cases, a soft diet may be recommended.

Long-term immobility can cause serious complications. Frequently change positions and take care of your skin. Passive range-of-motion exercises are encouraged, as they may help to maintain some muscle tone.

The use of splints may help prevent muscle contractures.

Call your health care provider if

In every situation, muscle paralysis requires immediate medical attention.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will perform a physical examination and asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• Location
  • What part(s) of the body are affected?
  • Does it affect one or both sides of the body?
  • Did it develop in a top-to-bottom pattern (descending paralysis)?
  • Do you have difficulty getting out of a chair or climbing stairs?
  • Do you have difficulty lifting your arm above your head?
  • Do you have problems extending or lifting your wrist (wrist drop)?
  • Do you have difficulty gripping (grasping)?
• Symptoms
  • Do you have pain?
  • Do you have numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
• Time pattern
  • Are episodes occurring repeatedly (recurrent)?
  • How long do they last?
  • Is it getting worse (progressive)?
  • Is it progressing slowly or rapidly?
  • Does it become worse over the course of the day?
• Aggravating and relieving factors
  • What, if anything, makes the paralysis worse?
  • Does it get worse after you take potassium supplements by mouth?
  • Is it better after you rest?

Tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential)
• CT scan or MRI of the head or spine
• Nerve conduction studies and electromyography
• Myelography

Intravenous feeding or feeding tubes may be required in severe cases. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be recommended.

Review Date:5/22/2007
Reviewed By:Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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