TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Weakness and Paralysis A1 - Kasper, Dennis L. A1 - Fauci, Anthony S. A1 - Hauser, Stephen L. A1 - Longo, Dan L. A1 - Jameson, J. Larry A1 - Loscalzo, Joseph PY - 2016 T2 - Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 19e AB - APPROACH TO THE PATIENT: Weakness or ParalysisWeakness is a reduction of power in one or more muscles. Paralysis indicates weakness that is so severe that the muscle cannot be contracted at all, whereas paresis refers to less severe weakness. The prefix hemi- refers to one half of the body, para- to both legs, and quadri- to all four limbs. The suffix -plegia signifies severe weakness or paralysis.Increased fatigability or limitation in function due to pain or articular stiffness is often confused with weakness by pts. Increased time is sometimes required for full power to be exerted, and this bradykinesia may be misinterpreted as weakness. Severe proprioceptive sensory loss may also lead to complaints of weakness because adequate feedback information about the direction and power of movements is lacking. Finally, apraxia, a disorder of planning and initiating a skilled or learned movement, is sometimes mistaken for weakness.The history should focus on the tempo of development of weakness, presence of sensory and other neurologic symptoms, medication history, predisposing medical conditions, and family history. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1128782908 ER -