What Causes Sudden Weakness In Arms And Legs?

Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2015

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

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, for a few days I am experiencing a sudden weakness in both arms and legs . This could happen once or twice a day and last for approx. 10-20minutes. I am female 65 yrs old. My blood sugar levels are normal but usually on the low side normal.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ER

Detailed Answer:
I don't mean to startle you nor cause anxiety or panic but when a patient of mine reports complaints like yours, I ask them to go to the Emergency Room (ER) right away.

Sudden weakness in limbs can be a sign of a stroke or mini-stroke. So it is important to rule this out by a thorough physical examination in person, and possibly with CT scan of the brain if deemed necessary by the treating doctor.

Additionally, blood tests such as

CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
HbA1c
Fasting Lipids
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
8 am serum cortisol

will allow exploration about other potential causes of your weakness.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar