The otolaryngologic presentation of myasthenia gravis

Laryngoscope. 1979 Jun;89(6 Pt 1):922-8. doi: 10.1288/00005537-197906000-00008.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease of insidious onset, characterized by weakness and fatigability of voluntary muscles. Most patients present with symptoms relating to the head and neck and thus may be seen first by the otolaryngologist. Predominant symptoms may be ocular (ptosis or diplopia) or related to fatigue of the oropharyngeal or laryngeal musculature (dysarthria, dysphonia, or dysphagia). Alleviation of muscular weakness and fatigability after administration of anticholinesterase drugs is pathognomonic of myasthenia gravis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blepharoptosis / etiology
  • Child
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Diplopia / etiology
  • Dysarthria / etiology
  • Ear Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Diseases / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Hypotonia / etiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Voice Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors