J-F Kaux1, F Ongena, F Wang, J-M Crielaard, M Foidart-Dessalle. 1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Liège, University Hospital, avenue de l'Hôpital, B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium. jfkaux@chu.ulg.ac.be
Abstract
CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 92-year-old quadriparetic patient who suddenly presented a major swallowing disorder following trauma to the neck. A diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was suggested by single-fibre EMG of the extensor digitorum communis muscle. In view of the continued absence of dysphagia after 6 months of pyridostigmine treatment, this diagnosis was considered as definitive. DISCUSSION: We review the various characteristics of myasthenia gravis and ways of investigating dysphagia. CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware of and investigate all the direct and indirect signs of dysphagia and establish the exact aetiology in order to provide the best possible treatment.
CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 92-year-old quadriparetic patient who suddenly presented a major swallowing disorder following trauma to the neck. A diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was suggested by single-fibre EMG of the extensor digitorum communis muscle. In view of the continued absence of dysphagia after 6 months of pyridostigmine treatment, this diagnosis was considered as definitive. DISCUSSION: We review the various characteristics of myasthenia gravis and ways of investigating dysphagia. CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware of and investigate all the direct and indirect signs of dysphagia and establish the exact aetiology in order to provide the best possible treatment.