Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- muscle fatigability
- ptosis
- diplopia
- dysphagia
- dysarthria
- facial paresis
- proximal limb weakness
- shortness of breath
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody analysis
- muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies
- serial pulmonary function tests
Investigations to consider
- striational antibodies
- repetitive nerve stimulation
- single-fiber EMG
- CT of chest
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Parker Webber Chair in Neurology
Professor of Neurology
Professor of Immunology and Microbiology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Detroit
MI
Disclosures
RPL is an unpaid member of the Medical Advisory Committee and the Research Committee of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. He has consulted for Gerson Lehman Group, in the form of two 1-hour conversations with clients of GLG on the state of current treatments in MG.
Dr Robert Lisak would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Andrea Corse and Dr Ami Mankodi, previous contributors to this monograph. AC and AM declare that they have no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology)
Duke University
Durham
NC
Disclosures
VCJ declares that he has no competing interests.
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