Impaired arm function can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'needs attention' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose impaired arm function, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Brain Tumor | 92% | Confirm |
Stroke Risk | 19% | Unlikely |
Herniated Cervical Disc | 3% | Ruled out |
Has your ability to use one or both of your arms declined within the past year for unknown reasons?
Possible responses:
→ No change / reason known / don't know→ Yes, a little → Yes, significantly → Yes, I am now almost unable to use my arms → I have now all arm function |
Gradual loss of movement in an arm or leg can indicate a brain tumor.
Possible symptoms of cervical herniated disc include arm weakness or loss of arm function.
Loss of arm function affects some 85% of those who have suffered a stroke.