A 45-Year-Old Female Patient With Arm
Weakness Week #3 I-Human
(Class 6512)
I Human Analysis (Case Study)
1
,2
,1. Chief Complaint & Patient Presentation
Patient: Female, 45 years old
Chief Complaint: Arm weakness
Initial Considerations:
Acute vs. Chronic Onset: This serves to limit the differential diagnoses by
determining whether the weakness is acute or progressive.
3
, Unilateral vs. Bilateral: Unilateral weakness indicates neurological etiologies (e.g.,
nerve compression, stroke), whereas bilateral presentation could indicate systemic
diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis).
Associated Symptoms: Numbness, pain, grip difficulty, or other systemic
symptoms can guide the diagnosis.
Rationale
A complete history provides crucial information regarding whether the condition is
neurological, musculoskeletal, or systemic.
2. History Taking & Risk Factors
History of Present Illness (HPI):
Onset: When did weakness start? Sudden or gradual?
Progression: Worsening over time?
Location: Monolateral (one) arm or bilateral? Proximal or distal?
Associated symptoms: Pain, numbness, tingling, fatigue, dizziness, change in
speech?
Precipitating factors: Recent trauma, overuse, infection, or other precipitants?
Relieving/aggravating factors: Rest vs. motion?
Past Medical History (PMH):
4
Weakness Week #3 I-Human
(Class 6512)
I Human Analysis (Case Study)
1
,2
,1. Chief Complaint & Patient Presentation
Patient: Female, 45 years old
Chief Complaint: Arm weakness
Initial Considerations:
Acute vs. Chronic Onset: This serves to limit the differential diagnoses by
determining whether the weakness is acute or progressive.
3
, Unilateral vs. Bilateral: Unilateral weakness indicates neurological etiologies (e.g.,
nerve compression, stroke), whereas bilateral presentation could indicate systemic
diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis).
Associated Symptoms: Numbness, pain, grip difficulty, or other systemic
symptoms can guide the diagnosis.
Rationale
A complete history provides crucial information regarding whether the condition is
neurological, musculoskeletal, or systemic.
2. History Taking & Risk Factors
History of Present Illness (HPI):
Onset: When did weakness start? Sudden or gradual?
Progression: Worsening over time?
Location: Monolateral (one) arm or bilateral? Proximal or distal?
Associated symptoms: Pain, numbness, tingling, fatigue, dizziness, change in
speech?
Precipitating factors: Recent trauma, overuse, infection, or other precipitants?
Relieving/aggravating factors: Rest vs. motion?
Past Medical History (PMH):
4
