What best describes critical illness neuromyopathy?

What best describes critical illness neuromyopathy?

• A. Diffuse muscle weakness caused by muscle and nerve damage
• B. Localized muscle weakness due to nerve injury
• C. Spasticity and hyperreflexia
• D. Normal strength with prolonged illness

Answer: (A)

Critical illness neuromyopathy presents as diffuse, symmetric muscle weakness that develops during severe illness or after a long ICU stay. It happens because both peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles are affected, so weakness is widespread rather than confined to one nerve or muscle group. This explains the reduced strength across the limbs and often along with decreased reflexes, without the spasticity or hyperreflexia seen with central (upper motor neuron) problems. It’s not a situation of normal strength in prolonged illness, nor is it a localized weakness from a single nerve injury. The diffuse, nerve-and-muscle–driven weakness is the hallmark here.

Critical illness neuromyopathy presents as diffuse, symmetric muscle weakness that develops during severe illness or after a long ICU stay. It happens because both peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles are affected, so weakness is widespread rather than confined to one nerve or muscle group. This explains the reduced strength across the limbs and often along with decreased reflexes, without the spasticity or hyperreflexia seen with central (upper motor neuron) problems. It’s not a situation of normal strength in prolonged illness, nor is it a localized weakness from a single nerve injury. The diffuse, nerve-and-muscle–driven weakness is the hallmark here.