Myasthenia gravis: lessons for the emergency physician

Eur J Emerg Med. 2005 Dec;12(6):324-6. doi: 10.1097/00063110-200512000-00017.

Abstract

We describe three patients with myasthenia gravis who presented to the emergency department - one with a previously established diagnosis and two others who were newly diagnosed as a result of workup initiated in the emergency department. Differential diagnosis of conditions causing neuromuscular weakness is broad; however, a key aspect of myasthenia gravis is fluctuating muscle weakness that increases with repeated use and improves with rest. Both newly diagnosed patients presented with ocular complaints, a common finding in myasthenia gravis. The third patient presented with a potentially life-threatening myasthenic crisis. Key points of discussion include: bedside tests to diagnose myasthenia gravis; distinction between cholinergic versus myasthenic crisis; and emergency department considerations when intubating a myasthenia gravis patient becomes necessary.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology*