Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: MG & Thyectomy My father was diagnosed with MG approximately one year ago. He suffered with double vision, slurred speech, and inability to swallow for months before his HMO accurately diagnosed MG. He is 59 years old and is currently taking 50 mg of prednisone and working down. My father is currently experiencing an increase in symptoms and less benefit from his medication regimen. He has also been having dental work secondary to a recurrent tooth infection. The tooth will be removed when his bridge work is completed. My mother and I are concerned about his physican, especially when he asked us to cruise the net to find out if thyecotomies were attempted with 59 year old patients. My father weighs appx. 220 pounds, practically sedentary, and is working half days because of the fatigue. Now with the questions: 1) Is a thyectomy contraindicated in a 59 year old patient? 2) Is MG common enough that a neurologist in a managed care practice can adequately treat the disorder? Or would you recommend seeing someone in a specialized clinic or university med. center? 3) I've read some articles on Medline that suggest that the thyectomy procedure that is done without opening up the sternum has been achieving good results, any thoughts? 4) Could a recurrent tooth infection play a part in the worsening of symptoms? 5) At what point would you suggest getting a second opinion? Thanks, | |
