Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Myasthenia Gravis Crisis + EKGs

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Myasthenia Gravis

Re: Myasthenia Gravis Crisis + EKGs

Re: Myasthenia Gravis Crisis + EKGs

Posted by CCF MD GS on March 13, 1998 at 08:12:34:

In Reply to: Myasthenia Gravis Crisis + EKGs posted by Gytis on March 11, 1998 at 02:27:55:



I have a 73 year old male relative who suffered a Myasthenia Crisis event recently.

Once he was stabilized he then spent 2 months in Hospital, nearly all in ICU,
enduring 7 plasmapheresis procedures, fighting pneumonia, contracting chicken pox,
having blood transfusions, recovering from a stomach operation performed to repair
a bleeding ulcer, and of course he was on a ventilator until a tracheostomy was done
plus a feeding tube through his upper abdomen; his weight bottoming out at 118 lbs.

This experience on his part, given his age, suggests to me a monumental stress imposed
on his cardiovascular system. Am I right? And, may not myasthenia also affect heart muscle
as well?

Basically, I want to know what role EKG's play, if any, in the care of elderly individuals
following a Myasthenia Crisis event with or without the complications as indicated above?

Is there some kind of standard medical EKG monitoring process applied to myasthenics,
regardless of age, who survive a crisis event? And if so for how long. And how may it be
determined when it is safe to relax the EKG monitoring process. I mean, can one tell just
by looking at someone whether or not they are experiencing potentially dangerous cardiac
arrhythmia?

Any feedback will be most appreciated.


GA

=
Thanks for the question Gytis. MG affects skeletal muscle which is different from heart muscle. In general MG patients do not have cardiac involvement. The disorder itself does not cause arrhythmias per se. If a patient is in MG crisis, however, the body as you mention does come under great stress which with advancing age could lead to cardiac complications. We do not typically use EKG as a monitor of MG unless the patient had some underlying cardiac rhythm problem. There is no standard monitoring process that is used. Some of the medication used to treat and diagnose MG itself may have cardiac implications and these should be discussed with your doctor. If a tensilon test is used (Medication to help determine if someone is in crisis) then it is recommended that patient be monitored with EKG. If you have cardiac concerns for your relative I would recommend that you express them to their doctor who should be able to give you good advice.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.
Related Communities
Neurology
Sleep Disorders
Migraines & Headaches
Degenerative Diseases
Cerebral Palsy
Parkinsons Disease
Epilepsy
Tourette Syndrome

[Neurology Forum]      [Neurology Forum Archives]