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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Symptoms I am a singer, and have been noticing a very tired/swollen feeling in my throat, jaw and neck after singing for extended periods, as well as some neck and head pain. I recently saw my family physician about this, but also mentioned that I'd been having occasions in which I was unable to chew my food because my jaw muscles were just too tired. I thought that maybe I was having an ear infection or swollen glands, but my doctor said I was fine other than I might possibly have MG. He was not convinced because the disease usually involves the eyes, which I do not have a problem with. My question is this: Have you ever heard of a person with MG having this same difficulty with singing? And what is the best way to diagnose this disease? My doctor mentioned a couple of different tests, but left it up to me to do some research and decide what I wanted to do next. One of the tests has a possible serious side effect, so I don't know what to do at this point. Thank you for your help!
= Thanks for your question. Your physician is correct in stating that Myasthenia Gravis (MG) frequently have ocular symptoms, such as "droopy" eyelids (ptosis), difficulties in moving the eyes resulting in "double vision" (diplopia). Other common symptoms are muscle weakness in the shoulder and hip girdle areas, and, in more severe cases, respiratory difficulties. It is possible for MG to spare the oculomotor system, and only affect truncal (midline) muscles, such as masticatory muscles and the diaphragm, although this presentation is much less common. MG can be diagnosed with blood tests, and the most frequently used one I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. |
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