Generalized Weaknesses in Medical Terminology

Generalized weakness is the reduction in strength of one or more muscles. The weakness doesn't occur in a specific location, but rather, it's a feeling occurring all over. Many people use the term "weak" to describe feeling tired or out of energy. However, that is a misnomer because there are other terms for describing those feelings.

Muscle Weakness

• Muscle weakness is another term for generalized weakness in that it refers to a lack of strength in one or more muscles. This could be caused by rigorous exercise (which would normally resolve itself within a few days) or by a medical condition. Muscle weakness can be categorized as true or perceived. True muscle weakness "describes a condition where the instantaneous force exerted by the muscles is less than would be expected," according to Living with Cerebral Palsy. This means that someone with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the motor neurons are damaged and don't stimulate the muscles as they normally would. Perceived weakness is when the person needs to exert more effort than normal to perform tasks. For example, in someone who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, more effort would be required to climb a set of stairs, even though the person's muscle strength is normal. Muscle weakness can also be central, neural or peripheral.

Malaise

• Typically, the terms generalized weakness and malaise are not interchangeable. Malaise is more accurately defined as an "out of sorts" feeling that is experienced at the onset of an illness or disease.

Focal Weakness

• Focal weakness is a localized weakness in one part of the body. A stroke, a flare up of multiple sclerosis, a neuropathy caused by trauma or entrapment, like carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal root entrapment, like a herniated disk or a spinal cord compression, such as cervical spondylosis are all examples of focal weaknesses.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is the medical term used to describe the lack of energy or motivation, or both. It can be a normal response to both physical and mental activity. Fatigue is vastly different than drowsy (which is just a need for sleep); however, both can occur simultaneously. Fatigue is commonly resolved within a few hours to a day, depending on the activity that caused it. For example, fatigue can be caused by being overworked, poor sleep, worry, boredom or lack of exercise.