Overlooked Non-Motor Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis
November 2012
in “
Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry
”
TLDR Non-motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis are common and need early diagnosis for better management.
The document discussed the overlooked non-motor symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), particularly those associated with thymomas, which are present in 15-25% of MG cases. These non-motor symptoms, resulting from autoimmune disorders due to abnormal T cell repertoires, include pure red cell aplasia, immunodeficiency, alopecia areata, neuromyotonia, limbic encephalitis, myocarditis, and taste disorders. About 25% of patients with thymoma-associated MG experienced at least one non-motor symptom, which can significantly impact quality of life and may be life-threatening. The study emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive understanding of these symptoms for effective management.