Symptom 4: Weakness in Arms and Legs – A Heavy Burden to Bear
Picture the effort it takes to lift a heavy weight. Now imagine that weight attached to your arms and legs all the time. This could be the reality for some individuals living with NMOSD, where a common symptom is a weakness in the arms and legs. This weakness originates from the inflammation in the spinal cord, which hampers the signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles.
The degree of weakness varies among individuals – while some might experience a mild weakness that causes difficulty in lifting objects or climbing stairs, others might suffer from more severe forms, leading to complete paralysis. For those affected, even the simple act of getting out of bed can become a Herculean task.
The progression of this symptom is as unpredictable as the disorder itself. Some might experience a sudden onset, while others might see a gradual increase in weakness. Episodes of weakness could also alternate with periods of recovery.
Dealing with this symptom requires a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy to improve muscle strength and assistive devices to support mobility. Timely management can help mitigate the impact of this symptom on the individual’s daily life and help maintain a sense of autonomy. (4)
