Home / Medical Article / What Exactly Causes Muscle Weakness?
By Dr. Songsaeng Karnchanavisitphol, Master’s Degree in German Traditional Medicine, specialist in integrative and anti-aging medicine
Have you ever felt muscle weakness, loss of muscle strength, drooping eyelids, or abnormalities in speech—such as nasal-sounding voice?
If so, be cautious! You may be experiencing muscle weakness caused by an underlying condition.
Muscle weakness is a condition that makes patients feel physically deteriorated or lacking strength. It can arise from many causes—even overworking or intense exercise may temporarily lead to muscle weakness, though this usually resolves quickly.
Additionally, muscle weakness can result from certain autoimmune diseases. Common autoimmune-related causes include:
This autoimmune disease occurs when the body produces antibodies that attack the junction between nerves and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness.
MG can occur in anyone—from children to the elderly. Among working-age adults, it is more common in women, whereas in older adults it is more commonly found in men.
On average, MG affects 3 out of every 100,000 people.
Named after three French physicians—Guillain, Barré, and Strohl—GBS often follows a viral infection. Patients typically experience a respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold, runny nose, cough, sneezing, or sore throat shortly before muscle weakness develops.
Due to an overreactive immune response triggered by the viral infection, the body produces abnormal antibodies that attack the protective myelin sheath around nerves, leading to muscle weakness.
GBS occurs in about 1 out of 100,000 people.
The two most common are Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO).
This article focuses on MS. In MS, the body produces antibodies that damage the myelin sheath in the brain, leading to neurological degeneration and muscle weakness.
Many patients have had upper respiratory infections caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which can trigger autoimmune reactions.
Other contributing factors include low vitamin D levels and smoking.
MS was previously found mostly in working-age adults, but recent years have seen increasing cases in younger individuals.
Patients may experience persistent muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and nasal voice. Some develop cold-like symptoms—such as sore throat—before muscle weakness appears.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and blood tests as indicated.
Some patients may require further evaluation—such as a CT scan—to check for enlargement of the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest.
In integrative medicine, treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause.
Some cases may require steroid medications.
Addressing leaky gut syndrome, repairing gut lining, replenishing deficient vitamins, and enhancing immune balance can help slow abnormal antibody production. Treatment is personalized and holistic.
If symptoms occur, be attentive and observe them carefully. Early detection helps ensure proper and effective treatment.
