Paralysis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Paralysis, including details on treatment, diagnosis, facial paralysis, sleep paralysis.

Myasthenia gravis presenting with unusual neurogenic muscle atrophy.

Samuraki M, Furui E, Komai K, Takamori M, Yamada M

Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan. kimiharu@med.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

We report a patient with myasthenia gravis who had neurogenic muscle atrophy in association with external ophthalmoplegia and weakness of the upper limbs. Neurogenic changes in the limb muscles were found on needle electromyography and histological studies. Symptoms improved and atrophy of the limbs diminished after intravenous immunoglobulin and oral corticosteroid therapy. We concluded that functional interruption of the neuromuscular junction caused the neurogenic muscle atrophy and that this was relieved by appropriate therapy.

Published 7 August 2007 in Muscle Nerve, 36(3): 394-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Paralysis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.