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What Causes Sudden Weakness In Arms And Legs?

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Posted on Thu, 5 Nov 2015
Question: Hello, for a few days I am experiencing a sudden weakness in both arms and legs . This could happen once or twice a day and last for approx. 10-20minutes. I am female 65 yrs old. My blood sugar levels are normal but usually on the low side normal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
ER

Detailed Answer:
I don't mean to startle you nor cause anxiety or panic but when a patient of mine reports complaints like yours, I ask them to go to the Emergency Room (ER) right away.

Sudden weakness in limbs can be a sign of a stroke or mini-stroke. So it is important to rule this out by a thorough physical examination in person, and possibly with CT scan of the brain if deemed necessary by the treating doctor.

Additionally, blood tests such as

CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
HbA1c
Fasting Lipids
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
8 am serum cortisol

will allow exploration about other potential causes of your weakness.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Weakness In Arms And Legs?

Brief Answer: ER Detailed Answer: I don't mean to startle you nor cause anxiety or panic but when a patient of mine reports complaints like yours, I ask them to go to the Emergency Room (ER) right away. Sudden weakness in limbs can be a sign of a stroke or mini-stroke. So it is important to rule this out by a thorough physical examination in person, and possibly with CT scan of the brain if deemed necessary by the treating doctor. Additionally, blood tests such as CBC CMP TSH Free T4 HbA1c Fasting Lipids 25 hydroxy Vitamin D 8 am serum cortisol will allow exploration about other potential causes of your weakness.