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

Question Title: what should the vital capacity be

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Myasthenia Gravis


My vital capacity is between 550 on bad days, to 800 on good days. When should a person be intubated at what vital capacity?
Jennie


Thanks for the question Jennie. This is not any easy one to answer. Generally a patient with MG needs to be watched when their VC dips below 25% of normal which for most patients is about 1 liter. Some people recommend transferring MG patients to the unit when the VC is less than 12-15 ml/kg. You are sitting at a low VC with 500 ml. Intubation depends on a number of factors such as breathing rate carbon dioxide concentration, fatigue. Sounds like your MG needs to be tuned up. Good luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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