Sudden leg weakness or the inability to stand may signal a disturbance in the muscles, nerves, or blood flow. This condition should not be taken lightly, as it can be related to serious medical issues such as peripheral nerve disorders, stroke, or spinal problems. Identifying the cause of sudden leg weakness early is crucial to ensure proper treatment and prevent severe complications.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a team of experienced specialist doctors who are skilled in diagnosing and managing various causes of sudden leg weakness—whether originating from the muscles, nerves, or spine. Supported by advanced diagnostic technologies such as MRI, CT Scan, and EMG (electromyography), Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment to help patients achieve optimal recovery.
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Causes of Sudden Leg Weakness and Inability to Stand
1. Stroke
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. This condition may cause sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—often affecting one side of the body.
Other symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Severe headache
- One side of the face appearing droopy or uneven when smiling
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to restore blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
2. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves. It causes tingling and weakness that typically begins in the legs and may spread to the entire body if not treated promptly.
Other symptoms of GBS include:
- Tingling sensations in the wrists, fingers, ankles, or toes
- Severe pain, often worsening at night
- Difficulty moving the eyes or facial muscles
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
Although the exact cause is unknown, GBS often follows infections such as gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses. While there’s no complete cure, proper medical treatment can reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.
3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, damaging the protective layer (myelin) around nerves. It commonly affects individuals aged 20–50.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but numbness and fatigue are the most common. Other symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Difficulty walking
- Tremors
- Acute or chronic pain
- Vision problems
MS is a long-term condition with alternating periods of relapse and remission. With proper medical care and physical therapy, patients can manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
4. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body are damaged. It can result from injury, infection, diabetes, or thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism).
Common symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet that may spread over time. Other signs include:
- Muscle weakness
- Nighttime pain
- Burning or electric-like sensations
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Difficulty walking
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and improve nerve function.
5. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the brain’s substantia nigra region. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle movement difficulties and muscle stiffness.
Other symptoms include:
- Smaller or altered handwriting
- Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
- Rigidity in the arms or legs
- Balance problems and walking difficulties
- Tremors
- Voice changes
Management typically involves medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. With appropriate care, patients can control symptoms and maintain mobility.
6. Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in voluntary muscles. It can affect anyone but is more common in women under 40 and men over 60.
Symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Drooping eyelids
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing
Although MG cannot be completely cured, early treatment can help slow its progression and improve muscle strength. Management usually includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgery.
7. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that damages motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in the legs.
Early symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks
- Swallowing problems
- Slurred or slow speech
- Trouble holding the head up
Although there is no cure yet, treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life.
Expert Neuromuscular Doctors at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If you experience sudden leg weakness or an inability to stand, it is essential to consult an experienced neurologist to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a team of highly skilled neurologists specializing in comprehensive diagnosis and therapy for neuromuscular and nerve-related disorders.
1. dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K)
dr. Luh Ari Indrawati is a neurologist and clinical neurophysiology consultant specializing in neuromuscular diseases and epilepsy. She completed her medical and neurology education at the University of Indonesia and pursued a fellowship in Neuromuscular Diseases at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.
As a Clinical Neurophysiology Consultant and ASEPA-ASNA certified Electroencephalographer (Singapore), Dr. Luh is experienced in managing conditions such as myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and dementia. She focuses on neurophysiology-based diagnostics for accurate and personalized treatment.
Practice Schedule:
- Thursday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2. dr. Nurul Fadli, Sp.N
dr. Nurul Fadli is a neurologist trained at the University of Indonesia with expertise in diagnosing and treating brain, spinal cord, and muscle disorders. She is skilled in performing EMG and EEG examinations to detect nerve abnormalities precisely.
dr. Nurul manages various neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, migraine, epilepsy, neuropathy, and memory disorders like dementia. Her approach emphasizes nerve rehabilitation and functional recovery to enhance patients’ quality of life.
Practice Schedule:
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3. dr. Djung Lilya Wati, Sp.N
dr. Djung Lilya Wati is a neurologist with extensive international education and experience. She earned her MBBS from Guang Xi Medical University, China, and a Master of Clinical Medicine in Neurology from Chong Qing Medical University, China, before completing her neurology residency at Universitas Padjadjaran / Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung.
She treats a wide range of neurological conditions including stroke, vertigo, pinched nerves, neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, and epilepsy. With a meticulous, empathetic, and evidence-based approach, Dr. Djung helps patients restore nerve function and improve their quality of life.
Practice Schedule:
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Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
To make your visit easier, you can contact Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri through WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to check queue numbers and access complete hospital information conveniently.
