Sudden Weakness in arms

[Vasi]

In the last few months I have been getting a sudden weakness in both arms.  It comes on suddenly and lasts a maximum of 5 minutes.  When it happens I cannot lift anything.  I feel so weak that I have to sit or lie down until it passes.  This week it hit me twice.  Before these 2 incidents, the last time this happened was a month ago and before that was probably another month (2 times in a week).  The sensation is from the shoulders down to my hands.  Any ideas?

Thanks

[cindylea1]

I'm so scared last summer was the first time this happened to me I was cooking and the odd feeling  numbness in both arms and tingling in hands weakness thought I was going to faint caused me to put down the utensils and just stand there in array for approx. I min than it went away now this week I've had 4 episodes this morn out of bed first thing I did is bend over to feed the cat it happened it goes away fast but you can feel the travel of the numbness go from upper to lower part of arms than headache I m not sure which Doc to see until I can describe the symptoms  better

[NCClaire]

I've had two recent episodes of weakness and "floppiness" down both arms/biceps and down the backs of both hands to the first two fingers on each hand, plus across my upper chest, and general dizziness, so that I sit or lean on something for a few minutes until it passes.  I was afraid of MS. See http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/94118-treatment. After reading that and a few other articles on cervical radiculopathy, I've concluded that I should take NSAIDs for a week and pay more attention to whether my pillow is causing me to sleep with my neck at an angle instead of in line with my spine.

[DeeDee1936]

I had these sudden, intense weakness of arms & shoulders, the absolute need to sit down and shakiness of hands.  This lasted from 2 to 5 minutes, when it went away, but I felt completely drained and tired for awhile afterward. This went on for a couple of months, varying as to how many times per day, then went a week without any, then my right side of my body just quit on me without warning.  In the ER they first thought I was having a stroke, but it turned out not to be that at all.  An MRI found that I had Transverse Myelitis, which is inflammation of the spinal column, in my cervical (neck) area.  Massive doses of Steroids were given to me for 5 days, and I started seeing minor improvements, and now after an 8 day hospital stay, and 20 days in rehab, I can use a walker to get around and am continuing to improve every day, and hoping I will fully get back to normal, but don't know yet. I'm trying very hard.  I am age 79 female.
  
For the past year, I had been having neck pain, like a "crick" that won't go away, then the extreme arm heaviness for 2+ months recently, before it led to my entire right side quitting on me.  Taking the steroids is another whole story, but I won't go into that here because it can vary among persons, and it was something I needed to take to help remedy my problem.  I hope this sheds some light on these strange, intense feelings of heaviness in the arms that hit without warning.      

[Binney0802]

I looked this up.  I don't think it is the cause of my symptoms as my legs are not involved at all.  Just my arms, shoulders and neck.  I wonder if it might be as simple as having slept wrong??

[Haligonex]

My neurologist points to degenerative C4-C6.  As well I had many Radiation treatments in the neck area (50) for cancer.  I probably will have this for the rest of my days but I am trying to cope. as best I can.

[Haligonex]

My neurologist points to degenerative C4-C6.  As well I had many Radiation treatments in the neck area (50) for cancer.  I probably will have this for the rest of my days but I am trying to cope. as best I can.

[SherryReed911]

go see a chiropractor.

[debspine]

oh my gosh I feel the same. the pain has been so intence I have been to the ER 2 times. they have done a heart check ( my heart is great) they also did a CT scan and they say I have DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE. For now only medication and rest helps. I am only 62 years old and this has made me feel like my life is over, because I cannot deal with the pain when these full episodes happen. i will be trying chyropractic soon,

[Binney0802]

I also have degenerative disc disease.  Have for MANY years (20+).  I do Yogalates class 2x week and an abbreviated version every morning.  I had my first 2 episodes of this weakness this morning.  Instead of a chiropractor, find a D.O. - they specialize in osteopathic manipulation.  I though that this was nonsense UNTIL my daughter performed it on me (she is a D.O.).  Amazing.  That aside, it doesn't explain my sudden weakness.