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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: Symptoms
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Re: Symptoms
by CCF Neurolgy MD - AY, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on October 02, 1998 at 20:11:39:
In Reply to: Symptoms posted by R. Hedman on October 02, 1998 at 17:25:12:
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
is the titer (level) of Acetylcholine receptor binding antibodies. If
the test is positive, a CT of the chest area is often done to evaluate
for the presence and size of the thymus - an organ of the immune system
believe to be involved in the production of the antibodies. I don't
know which test you were refering to as one with "serious side effects".
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
In Reply to: Symptoms posted by R. Hedman on October 02, 1998 at 17:25:12:
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
is the titer (level) of Acetylcholine receptor binding antibodies. If
the test is positive, a CT of the chest area is often done to evaluate
for the presence and size of the thymus - an organ of the immune system
believe to be involved in the production of the antibodies. I don't
know which test you were refering to as one with "serious side effects".
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
