Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Arm Strength and Flexion
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Stroke or cerebral vasculature accident (CVA): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the sudden onset of loss of arm strength and flexion, which are common symptoms of a stroke. The brain's motor control areas are often affected, leading to weakness or paralysis of the arm.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Brachial plexus injury: Trauma to the brachial plexus, such as from a fall or accident, can cause weakness or paralysis of the arm. This diagnosis is likely if there is a history of trauma or injury.
- Radiculopathy or nerve root compression: Compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arm. This diagnosis is likely if there is a history of neck pain or trauma.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. This diagnosis is likely if there is a gradual onset of symptoms and no history of trauma.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Spinal cord injury or compression: Compression of the spinal cord, such as from a herniated disk or tumor, can cause sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of the arm. This diagnosis is critical to identify, as prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage.
- Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and vision problems. This diagnosis is critical to identify, as early treatment can slow disease progression.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes rapid onset of muscle weakness and paralysis. This diagnosis is critical to identify, as prompt treatment can prevent respiratory failure.
- Rare diagnoses
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. This diagnosis is rare, but should be considered if there is a family history of the disease.
- Peripheral nerve tumors: Tumors of the peripheral nerves, such as schwannomas or neurofibromas, can cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arm. This diagnosis is rare, but should be considered if there is a palpable mass or abnormal imaging findings.
- Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. This diagnosis is rare, but should be considered if there is a history of fluctuating weakness or fatigue.