Is Occasional Strange Weakness That Start At The Neck And Radiates To The Arms A Serious Concern?

Posted on Mon, 13 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 Answered on

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi My husband has occasionally experienced a strange weakness that starts at the back of his neck and radiates down his arms (both sides) and makes him suddenly very weak. It has happened more than once.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pinched nerve suspected

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I think he may be having a pinched cervical nerve and may be accompanied with pain or neck stiffness etc. A pinched nerve can be caused by arthritis, herniated disc or spondylitis etc.
You should do an X-ray of neck or better an MRI to see what is causing it.
If it is accompanied by slurred speech, or headache a TIA may be possible and you should go to ER.

Hope I have answered the question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy