Differential Diagnosis for Muscle Weakness and Falls
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis): Muscle weakness, particularly if it worsens with activity and improves with rest, is a hallmark of myasthenia gravis. Falls can occur due to significant muscle weakness affecting the limbs or respiratory muscles.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia): Electrolyte disturbances can lead to muscle weakness. Hypokalemia, for instance, can cause weakness and arrhythmias, potentially leading to falls.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, increased risk of falls, and osteoporosis, making bones more susceptible to fractures if a fall occurs.
- Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to muscle weakness, particularly in the lower limbs, which can increase the risk of falls.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can lead to rapid onset muscle weakness and potentially life-threatening respiratory failure if not promptly recognized and treated.
- Spinal cord compression: Can cause sudden onset of muscle weakness in the legs, leading to falls. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent neurological damage.
- Botulism: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a toxin that leads to muscle weakness, among other symptoms. Early recognition is critical for effective treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Muscular dystrophies: A group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. While rare, they can lead to significant disability and falls.
- Mitochondrial myopathies: A group of disorders affecting the mitochondria, leading to muscle weakness among other symptoms. They are rare and can be challenging to diagnose.
- Periodic paralysis: A rare genetic disorder causing episodic muscle weakness, often triggered by factors such as rest or carbohydrate intake after physical activity.