Muscle weakness, or myasthenia, is a decrease in strength in one or more muscles. It is a common symptom of muscular, neurological and metabolic disorders. Muscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and dermatomyositis (disorder characterized by muscle inflammation), are common causes of muscle weakness.
Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: A doctor has a degree from medical school (4 years, either an MD or a DO) and has gone through residency (anywhere from 3 to 10 additional years of training). They are licensed to practice medicine or surgery (or both) independently, write prescriptions, etc.
They may write their own prescriptions under the doctor's license but are not independently licensed to practice on their own, although they are boarded nationally. A nurse-practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree beyond the RN, usually a masters but sometimes a PhD. Whether they practice completely independently or not varies by state, but in many states they do. They usually are highly specialized, like doctors who specialize, and prescribe under their own DEA number.