Contents
Muscle Weakness: What Tests Can Reveal
Published: Aug 23, 2024
Testing can uncover the mystery behind muscle weakness, guiding effective treatment and management. Let's dive into the tests that can provide answers.
Laboratory Studies
Key tests for muscle weakness include measuring muscle enzymes like creatine kinase (CK) and aldolase. These tests can indicate muscle injury and help monitor disease progression and response to treatment. Abnormal results may suggest a muscle disorder, but other factors like age and existing medical conditions can influence results.
Electrodiagnostic Testing
Electrodiagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), are essential when the cause of weakness is unclear. NCS assess nerve function by recording action potentials, while EMG evaluates muscle electrical activity. These tests help differentiate between muscle and nerve disorders.
Imaging and Biopsy
In some cases, imaging like MRI can identify muscle abnormalities and guide biopsies, which are invasive tests used to examine tissue samples. Biopsies are usually reserved for unexplained cases of muscle weakness after other tests have been inconclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
They suggest muscle injury and can help diagnose muscle disorders.
They assess nerve and muscle function to pinpoint the cause of weakness.
For unexplained muscle weakness after other tests are inconclusive.
Imaging can guide biopsies but can't fully replace them.
Wrapping Up
Diagnostic tests are key to uncovering the hidden causes of muscle weakness.
References
- Kumar Y, Wadhwa V, Phillips L, et al. MR imaging of skeletal muscle signal alterations: Systematic approach to evaluation. Eur J Radiol 2016; 85:922.
- Larson ST, Wilbur J. Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician 2020; 101:95.
- Lacomis D. Electrodiagnostic approach to the patient with suspected myopathy. Neurol Clin 2012; 30:641.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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