Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Diagnostic Tests for Myasthenia Gravis

Mar 8, 2007 Jennifer Gerics

Myasthenia gravis is generally diagnosed with one or more specialized tests and/or symptoms analysis. One diagnostic blood test checks for acetylcholine antibodies.

Symptoms Analysis

A doctor will review a patient's medical history and do a physical/neurological exam. The doctor looks for muscle weakness and/or movement impairment of the eyes, two of the initial symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Conclusive evidence of this neurological disease is the patient's continued ability to feel sensations where this muscle weakness occurs.

Diagnostic Tests

*A blood test can check for acetylcholine receptor antibodies, which are generally elevated in patients with myasthenia gravis. The antibodies are elevated due to the immune system's overactivity.

*A test called an EMG (electromyography) stimulates muscles and notes any impaired respones.

*An edrophonium test works intravenously and blocks acetylcholine breakdown, showing a temporary increase in a myasthenis gravis patient's muscle strength.

*A lung test called a pulmonary functioning test can evaluate a person's lung capacity when their myasthenia gravis affects their breathing. For further reference: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis.

*****For more information about myasthenia gravis, read Myasthenia Gravis Overview.

****For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.

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