US Medical Term · symptoms
Limb Weakness
Debilidad en las extremidades
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Limb Weakness |
| Spanish (Español) | Debilidad en las extremidades |
| Chinese (中文) | 肢體無力 |
| Korean (한국어) | 사지 무력증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Yếu chi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kahinaan ng mga paa at kamay |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fraqueza nos membros |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | แขนขาอ่อนแรง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 四肢脱力 |
What it means
Limb weakness refers to reduced strength in one or more arms or legs, making it hard to lift objects, grip, walk, or climb stairs. It may come on gradually — suggesting nerve compression, vitamin deficiency, or chronic disease — or suddenly, suggesting stroke or spinal injury. Sudden weakness on one side of the body is a classic stroke warning sign — call 911 immediately. Even weakness that resolves within minutes (transient ischemic attack) requires urgent evaluation. Other causes include multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and electrolyte imbalances. Mild weakness that improves with movement should still be reported to a healthcare provider.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My right arm and leg feel very weak and I cannot grip things properly.
Mi brazo y pierna derechos se sienten muy débiles y no puedo agarrar las cosas correctamente.
I have been having trouble lifting my arms above my head for the past week.
He tenido dificultad para levantar los brazos por encima de la cabeza durante la última semana.
My legs feel so weak that I almost fell when I tried to stand up this morning.
Mis piernas se sienten tan débiles que casi me caí al intentar levantarme esta mañana.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G83 Other paralytic syndromesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026