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What Causes Sudden Weakness In Limbs?
Posted on
Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Answered on
Tue, 12 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I was just walking into a room, suddenly my right leg lost feeling, i fell to the ground, then my right arm lost feeling. Lasted only about 15 seconds. What could this be?
Brief Answer:
It can be TIA or mutiple other causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Based on the history you have shared, sudden weakness in limbs can be due to variety of causes and these need to be ruled out one by one. Most important is that if you have diseases like diabetes or hypertension or abnormal lipid levels previously, then suspicion of clot formation in brain vessels is raised. That can lead to temporary or long term blockage of blood supply to brain in those areas which control your legs. That can need brain imaging but before that some basic tests to rule out metabolic causes or any defficiencies of important vitamins, electrolyte imbalance or fluctuations in fine hormonal balance as well as sugar levels needs to be ruled out. Sitting and standing Blood pressure differences can also lead to such spells of inability to sustain posture or weight over your legs. If your symptoms have subsided and not associated with any loss of conciousness then possibility of any heart issue leading to this is very low. Still ECG can be done to rule out.
In any case such symptoms can't be ignored and need proper review by a neurologist and a medical facility followup.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It can be TIA or mutiple other causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Based on the history you have shared, sudden weakness in limbs can be due to variety of causes and these need to be ruled out one by one. Most important is that if you have diseases like diabetes or hypertension or abnormal lipid levels previously, then suspicion of clot formation in brain vessels is raised. That can lead to temporary or long term blockage of blood supply to brain in those areas which control your legs. That can need brain imaging but before that some basic tests to rule out metabolic causes or any defficiencies of important vitamins, electrolyte imbalance or fluctuations in fine hormonal balance as well as sugar levels needs to be ruled out. Sitting and standing Blood pressure differences can also lead to such spells of inability to sustain posture or weight over your legs. If your symptoms have subsided and not associated with any loss of conciousness then possibility of any heart issue leading to this is very low. Still ECG can be done to rule out.
In any case such symptoms can't be ignored and need proper review by a neurologist and a medical facility followup.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
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