The results to be expected from electrical testing in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1976:274:203-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1976.tb47686.x.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to derive numerical data concerning the probability of diagnosing myasthenia gravis by electrical tests, employing repetitive stimulation of motor nerves. This was done by recording the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) from 80 patients with clear-cut myasthenia gravis, using a number of different, reportedly useful, testing techniques. In 95% of these patients, the diagnosis could be documented by the careful application of rather simple methods, providing several muscles, including a proximal one such as deltoid, were studied.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrodiagnosis / methods
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / blood supply
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Physical Exertion
  • Probability