Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

WebMD Home

A to Z Guides

Email a Friend

Print Article

Weakness and Fatigue

Font Size

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
Change in your heart rate: Go to the topic Change in Heartbeat.
Headache: Go to the topic Headaches.
Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself: Go to the topic Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.
A sleep problem: Go the topic Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.


	Yes

Have you had weakness with a temporary loss of function, but all your symptoms are improving or are now gone?


	Yes

Do you have persistent generalized weakness?


	Yes

Do you think your fatigue is caused by a mental health problem?


	Yes

Do you think that your weakness or fatigue may be caused by a medicine?


	Yes

Do you think that alcohol or other drugs may be causing your fatigue?


	Yes

Do you have persistent fatigue?


	Yes

Has your fatigue lasted longer than 2 weeks after you have had symptoms of another illness?


	Yes

Do you have fatigue and unexplained weight gain or weight loss?


	Yes

Did you have a temporary inability to move (paralysis) part or all of one side of your body?


	Yes

Did you have temporary confusion or altered behavior?


	Yes

Did you have a temporary inability to speak, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech?


	Yes

Did you have temporary numbness?


	Yes

Did you have temporary vision changes, such as dimness, blurring, or double vision?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Is your weakness rapidly getting worse, and you think you may soon be unable to function?


	Yes

Has your weakness gradually become so severe that you are unable to complete your daily activities?


	Yes

Have you had mild to moderate muscle weakness that has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Are you thinking of committing suicide but you do not have a plan?


	Yes

Has fatigue caused you to limit your usual activities for longer than 2 weeks despite home treatment?


	Yes

Do you still feel fatigued despite 4 weeks of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you think that your generalized weakness or fatigue may be caused by a prescription or nonprescription medicine?Note: If you answered "Yes ":Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have an alcohol or drug abuse problem and you recognize your need for help?


	Yes

Are you using alcohol or drugs after participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program?


	Yes

Do you think that caffeine may be the cause of your fatigue but you feel unable to stop using caffeine?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Have you been unable to complete your daily activities for longer than 24 hours?


	Yes

Have you had to limit your usual activities for 2 weeks or longer, after home treatment?


	Yes

Do you still feel fatigued after 2 weeks of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Has your fatigue lasted longer than 2 weeks after symptoms of another illness have gone away?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Have you had an unexplained weight gain of or more over the past 3 months?


	Yes

Have you had an unexplained weight loss of or more over the past 3 months?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 13, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.