7. Muscular Weakness: The Gradual Decline of Strength in Tabes Dorsalis
Muscular weakness in tabes dorsalis is akin to a slow-draining battery. Day by day, the charge diminishes. Simple tasks, once executed effortlessly, become increasingly challenging. But it’s not an overnight change; it’s a subtle, creeping onset.
The first signs are often overlooked. Maybe lifting that grocery bag feels slightly more strenuous, or climbing stairs leaves one slightly more breathless. It’s these tiny, almost imperceptible shifts that signal the onset of muscular weakness.
Why does this happen? The root cause lies in nerve damage. In tabes dorsalis, the nerves responsible for carrying messages to and from the muscles are affected. When communication falters, the muscles can’t function optimally.
Over time, this deterioration can affect posture and movement. A person might stand or walk slightly differently, subconsciously trying to compensate for the diminished strength. Activities that demand endurance become particularly challenging. (7)
