US Medical Term · symptoms
Muscle Weakness
Debilidad muscular
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Muscle Weakness |
| Spanish (Español) | Debilidad muscular |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌肉無力 |
| Korean (한국어) | 근육 약화 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Yếu cơ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kahinaan ng kalamnan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fraqueza muscular |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 筋力低下 |
What it means
Muscle weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles, making it difficult to perform normal movements such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or rising from a chair. It can affect one area or the whole body. Causes include neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome; muscle diseases; electrolyte imbalances; thyroid problems; vitamin D deficiency; and certain medications. Sudden weakness on one side of the body may signal a stroke and requires emergency care. Gradual or progressive weakness should be evaluated by a doctor, who may order blood tests, imaging, and nerve conduction studies.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have difficulty lifting my arms above my head due to weakness.
Tengo dificultad para levantar los brazos por encima de la cabeza por debilidad.
My legs feel very weak and I have trouble walking.
Mis piernas se sienten muy débiles y tengo dificultad para caminar.
I dropped things several times today because my hands feel so weak.
Se me cayeron las cosas varias veces hoy porque mis manos se sienten tan débiles.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M62 Other disorders of muscleRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026