The diagnostic value of stapedius reflex and stapedius reflex exhaustion in myasthenia gravis

Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 2000 Jan-Feb;40(1):17-20.

Abstract

Authors studies impedance, stapedius reflex thresholds and stapedius muscle exhaustion on 31 ears of 16 MG patients. Investigations were carried out using GSI 33 computer-assisted middle ear analyzator. Stapedius reflex threshold values were increased in 93% of patients. Stapedius exhaustion was observed in 71% of patients. After the administration of the reversible cholinesterase inhibitor Mestinon (60 mg pyridostigmin bromide), reflex threshold decreased and exhaustion occurred in only 50% of cases. Authors review the literature in context with the audiometric diagnostics of MG and also recommend the use of these methods in more complicated ocular and bulbar cases of MG.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Impedance Tests
  • Adult
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Fatigue / drug effects
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology*
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use
  • Reflex, Acoustic / drug effects
  • Reflex, Acoustic / physiology*
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Stapedius / drug effects
  • Stapedius / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide