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Evaluation and Management of Blepharoptosis pp 107–114Cite as

Myasthenia Gravis

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Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a rare, auto-immune disease marked by fatigable weakness of striated muscles. Both ocular and systemic forms of myasthenia are seen, so that intermittent, variable ptosis, diplopia, proximal muscle weakness, poor deglutition, and dyspnea are all encountered; however, as some myasthenics present (at least initially) with ptosis alone, the disease remains a diagnostic consideration in nearly all patients with ptosis who present for oculoplastic assessment. Diagnosis is aided by a history of diurnal, fatigable symptoms; characteristic examination findings; serological assays for myasthenia-related auto-antibodies; electromyography; and response to trial treatment. Diagnostic imaging, both to look for thymoma and to rule out neurosurgical disease, is commonly performed. Usual treatment options are acetylcholine potentiators and immunosuppression. Some patients, however, may require thymectomy, plasmapheresis, or respiratory support.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuro-opthalmologist, Comprehensive Surgical Ophthalmologist, Private Practice, Sudbury, MA, USA

    Ippolit C. A. Matjucha

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  1. Ippolit C. A. Matjucha
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Correspondence to Ippolit C. A. Matjucha .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Art of Eyes, Private Practice, Skokie, 60076, Illinois, USA

    Adam J. Cohen

  2. Concord, NH, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Concord Eye Care, Hanover, 03755, New Hampshire, USA

    David A. Weinberg

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Matjucha, I.C.A. (2011). Myasthenia Gravis. In: Cohen, A., Weinberg, D. (eds) Evaluation and Management of Blepharoptosis. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92855-5_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92855-5_11

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