Tropical Weather Alert: For the latest updates on closures or modified hours for our UF Health clinical facilities, click here

Skip to main content
Update Location

My Location

Update your location to show providers, locations, and services closest to you.

Enter a zip code
Or
Select a campus/region

Muscle function loss

Definition

Muscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.

Alternative Names

Paralysis; Paresis; Loss of movement; Motor dysfunction

Considerations

Loss of muscle function may be caused by:

  • A disease of the muscle itself (myopathy)
  • A disease of the area where the muscle and nerve meet (neuromuscular junction)
  • A disease of the nervous system: Nerve damage (neuropathy), spinal cord injury (myelopathy), or brain damage (stroke or other brain injury)

The loss of muscle function after these types of events can be severe. In some cases, muscle strength may not completely return, even with treatment.

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent. It can affect a small area (localized or focal) or be widespread (generalized). It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).

If the paralysis affects the lower half of the body and both legs it is called paraplegia. If it affects both arms and legs, it is called quadriplegia. If the paralysis affects the muscles that cause breathing, it is quickly life-threatening.

Causes

Diseases of the muscles that cause muscle-function loss include:

Diseases of the nervous system that cause muscle function loss include:

Home Care

Sudden loss of muscle function is a medical emergency. Get medical help right away.

After you have received medical treatment, your health care provider may recommend some of the following measures:

  • Follow your prescribed therapy.
  • If the nerves to your face or head are damaged, you may have difficulty chewing and swallowing or closing your eyes. In these cases, a soft diet may be recommended. You will also need some form of eye protection, such as a patch over the eye while you are asleep.
  • Long-term immobility can cause serious complications. Change positions often and take care of your skin. Range-of-motion exercises may help to maintain some muscle tone.
  • Splints may help prevent muscle contractures, a condition in which a muscle becomes permanently shortened.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Muscle paralysis always requires immediate medical attention. If you notice gradual weakening or problems with a muscle, get medical attention as soon as possible.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

Location:

  • What part(s) of your body are affected?
  • Does it affect one or both sides of your body?
  • Did it develop in a top-to-bottom pattern (descending paralysis), or a bottom-to-top pattern (ascending paralysis)?
  • Do you have difficulty getting out of a chair or climbing stairs?
  • Do you have difficulty lifting your arm above your head?
  • Do you have problems extending or lifting your wrist (wrist drop)?
  • Do you have difficulty gripping (grasping)?

Symptoms:

  • Do you have pain?
  • Do you have numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation?
  • Do you have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels?
  • Do you have shortness of breath?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

Time pattern:

  • Do episodes occur repeatedly (recurrent)?
  • How long do they last?
  • Is the muscle function loss getting worse (progressive)?
  • Is it progressing slowly or quickly?
  • Does it become worse over the course of the day?

Aggravating and relieving factors:

  • What, if anything, makes the paralysis worse?
  • Does it get worse after you take potassium supplements or other medicines?
  • Is it better after you rest?

Tests that may be performed include:

Intravenous feeding or feeding tubes may be required in severe cases. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be recommended.

Gallery

Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial muscles are close to the surface of the skin. Muscles which lie closer to bone or internal organs are called deep muscles.
Deep anterior muscles
Muscle tissue is composed primarily of contractile cells. Contractile cells have the ability to produce movement.
Tendons and muscles
Tendons connect muscles to their bony origins and insertions.
Deep anterior muscles
Muscle tissue is composed primarily of contractile cells. Contractile cells have the ability to produce movement.

References

Evoli A, Vincent A. Disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 394.

Selcen D. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 393.

Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Neuromuscular disorders. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 35.

Last reviewed January 23, 2022 by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

Our locations

Community and Patient Programs: Muscle function loss

Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.

  • UF Health Shands HomeCare

    Comprehensive home health and personal care agency devoted to helping you maintain an independent lifestyle.

News and Patient Stories: Muscle function loss

More Muscle function loss stories