Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes
Asthenia, also known as weakness, is the feeling of body fatigue or tiredness. A person experiencing weakness may not be able to move a certain part of their body properly. Asthenia may also result in a lack of energy to move certain, or even all, parts of the body, and it can also cause mental fatigue.
Some people experience asthenia in a certain area of their body, such as the arms or legs. Others may experience full-body weakness, which is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection, such as influenza or hepatitis. Weakness may be temporary, but it’s chronic or continuous in some cases.
CAUSES OF WEAKNESS
There are several potential causes to consider, including:
•
• Flu
• Thyroid disease
• Anaemia
• Celiac disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Lack of sleep
• Sleep apnea
• Poorly managed or undiagnosed diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Heart attack
Although weakness caused by cancer may appear slowly over an extended period of time, weakness caused by a heart attack or stroke often occurs immediately.
<Medication side effects>
Side effects from certain medications may cause asthenia, including:
• Mild tranquilizers to treat anxiety
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines-cough syrups
• Chemotherapy
• Opioids
Overdoses of medications and vitamins may also lead to asthenia.
NATURAL AGING
Certain conditions, seen more prominently as a part of aging, may also lead to weakness. Possibilities include:
• Certain muscle diseases
• Arthritis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Insomnia or other sleep disorders
<Other causes may include:>
• Nerve or muscle injuries
• Diseases affecting the nerves or muscles
• Poison
• Not eating a balanced diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
Isolated weakness
If feeling weak in one area of the body, people may realize that they can’t move that part of their body efficiently. They may also experience:
• Delayed or slow movement
• Uncontrollable shaking, or tremors
• Muscle twitching
• Muscle cramps
Full body weakness
Full body weakness causes persons to feel run down, similar to the feeling when they have the flu. This is known as fatigue, but it’s also possible to experience full-body weakness without feeling tired. Some people who have full-body weakness also experience:
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Pain in the affected area
Emergency symptoms
Contact a doctor if experiencing any of the following symptoms with weakness:
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Changes in vision
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
DIAGNOSIS
There are many treatment options for weakness. Determining the underlying cause helps doctors to determine the best treatment method.
A doctor may request a urine sample. A doctor may also request a blood sample. The lab will test these samples for signs of infection and possible medical conditions that may cause weakness.
If experiencing pain, the doctor may also order an imaging test to have a look at the area. Imaging tests may include:
• X-rays
• MRI scans
• CT scans
• Ultrasounds
Your doctor will order a brain scan and electrocardiogram if he/she suspects persons of having or having had a heart attack or stroke.
Weakness vs fatigue
Weakness may also cause mental and body fatigue. Fatigue itself is a term that describes being too tired to engage in everyday activities. This level of tiredness persists, despite getting adequate sleep.
Fatigue can interfere with one’s quality of life, and become frustrating. One may have the desire to stay active, but feel too tired to participate in day-to-day life, even after resting.
As with weakness, there are numerous conditions that may cause fatigue. It’s also the most common symptom seen in advanced medical conditions.
TREATMENT
Once a doctor diagnoses the cause of weakness, that doctor would discuss treatment options based on the diagnosis.
WEAKNESS PREVENTION
Since weakness is related to a variety of conditions, perhaps the most effective way to prevent it is to treat the underlying cause(s). Other possible preventive measures include:
• Physical activity
• Eating nutritious foods
• Treating underlying sleep disorders
• Taking medications, if needed
• Supplements, such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12, if deficient in any nutrient
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Counselling
Some of the causes of weakness are part of a normal life. For example, if having a weakness due to a cold, time and rest should eventually clear up the weakness.
If the weakness originates from a more serious condition, seeing a doctor early and regularly can help people recover more quickly.
Taking care of one’s physical health is a good preventive measure. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting adequate rest, and exercising regularly can help you recover from weakness, and also prevent it.
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea for one to talk with a doctor if any weakness or fatigue is bothersome and interfering with one’s quality of life.
