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MAE Medical Abbreviation: What It Means and How It’s Used
Updated on: Aug 13, 2025 | 1 min read
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MAE is one of those abbreviations you might notice in a patient’s chart but not fully understand. It’s short, simple, and tells a lot with just three letters. But what does it mean, and why do doctors use it so often?
What Does MAE Mean in Medical Terms?
MAE stands for Moves All Extremities. It’s a quick way for clinicians to document that a patient can move their arms and legs. This usually indicates that major motor function is intact and there are no obvious neurological deficits affecting limb movement.
When You’ll Commonly See MAE
You might spot MAE in:
- Neurological exams after injury or surgery
- Nursing shift notes when checking patient status
- Emergency room assessments to rule out paralysis
- Post-anesthesia evaluations before discharge
- Physical therapy progress notes
Why MAE Is Important in Patient Care
Documenting MAE provides a fast way to show that a patient’s basic motor function is intact.
It helps in:
- Early detection of problems - Any new inability to move an extremity can signal stroke, spinal cord injury, or nerve damage.
- Tracking progress - In rehabilitation, noting whether MAE is consistent or improving is crucial for care planning.
- Clear communication - Short abbreviations like MAE save time in fast-paced settings while keeping records consistent.
Doctors often check if a patient “moves all extremities” as one of the first steps in a neurological exam. But a full exam is still needed to find any hidden problems.
MAE vs Other Common Neurological Abbreviations
Here’s how MAE compares to similar neurological documentation:
- A&O - Alert and Oriented: Checks mental status rather than movement.
- PERRLA - Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation: Eye reaction test.
- GCS - Glasgow Coma Scale: A broader scale assessing consciousness and response.
While these cover different aspects of neurological health, MAE focuses solely on limb movement.
What If MAE Is Noted as “Not Intact”?
If a record shows “No MAE” or specifies which limbs cannot move, it often prompts urgent evaluation. Possible causes may include:
- Stroke or brain injury
- Spinal cord compression or injury
- Nerve damage
- Severe musculoskeletal injury
Prompt follow-up can make a critical difference in recovery.
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