What Causes Impaired Arm Function?

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.

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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:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "impaired arm function" as a symptom. Here are three possibilities:

Herniated Cervical Disc
Stroke Risk
Brain Tumor

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

having excess body fat

impaired ability to walk

stroke in family members

frequent confusion/disorientation

current atypical headaches

history of brain cancer

much reduced sense of smell

bulging eyes

long-term hypertension

recent "don't care" attitude

chronic headaches

history of bulimia

... and more than 20 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of impaired arm function:

Cause	Probability	Status
Brain Tumor	92%	Confirm
Stroke Risk	19%	Unlikely
Herniated Cervical Disc	3%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate problems with limbs, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

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

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate slightly reduced arm function, greatly reduced arm function or inability to use arm(s), The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Brain Tumor

Gradual loss of movement in an arm or leg can indicate a brain tumor.

Herniated Disc In Neck

Possible symptoms of cervical herniated disc include arm weakness or loss of arm function.

Stroke

Loss of arm function affects some 85% of those who have suffered a stroke.

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™