Patient education: Weakness – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED because of weakness. "Weakness" usually refers to a lack of muscle strength. It is not the same as feeling tired or having low energy.

Many things can cause weakness. Some are serious things like muscle diseases or nerve problems. Less serious things like working your muscles hard can also make you feel weak.

The doctors think your weakness is likely not caused by something serious. But they might not be able to find all causes of your weakness the first time they see you. It is important that you follow up with your doctor.

You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.

●Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

●Try to get regular physical activity. Even gentle forms of exercise, like walking, are good for your health.

●Try to spend time outside each day. Sunshine might make you feel better.

●Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Try to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day.

●Try to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. This can help improve your overall health.

●Try to avoid falls at home. If you were given a cane or walker, follow the instructions for using it.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

•You have signs of a stroke, like sudden:

-Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body

-Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding

-Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes

-Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

-Severe headache with no known cause

•You have other signs of severe illness, or your weakness becomes severe, such as:

-A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, shaking chills, or sweats

-Trouble walking or lifting things, or feeling so weak you cannot get out of bed

-Severe trouble breathing, or severe chest discomfort

-Becoming unresponsive

●Return to the ED if you:

•Feel like your heart is beating very fast or slow

•Get dizzy or weak when standing up from a lying or sitting position

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your weakness gets worse, or you have new problems such as slurred speech or double vision.

●You have problems eating or sleeping.

●You are functioning poorly at work, at home, or in school.

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Weakness (The Basics)