upper limb power
Last reviewed 01/2018
The patient's upper limb muscle strength is gauged by the examiner's ability to overcome the patient's full voluntary resistance. The patient's muscle strength is graded - see power grading in menu. The examiner tests different movements in order to test different nerve roots.
When assessing power:
- it is important to consider if there is a pattern to any weakness - proximal, distal or symmetrical
- take into consideration whether any painful joint or muscle disease is interfering with assessment