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Myasthenia gravis mimicking stroke: a case series with sudden onset dysarthria

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Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by fluctuating fatigue of skeletal muscles, often involving extrinsic ocular or bulbar districts. Myasthenia gravis in the elderly is an under-recognized condition, sometimes confused with cerebrovascular disease. Here we present a case series of myasthenia patients which onset was characterized by sudden dysarthria, clearly raising this diagnostic dilemma. In the workout of sudden onset isolated dysarthria, MG should be always considered. In fact, even if myasthenia is a rare condition, lacunar stroke only with this clinical presentation is also unusual, and significant risks may arise (e.g., unexpected myasthenic crisis).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology Unit San Gerardo Hospital, DCMT and Neuro-MI, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy

    Lucio Tremolizzo, Federico Giopato, Maria Luisa Piatti, Carlo Ferrarese & Ildebrando Appollonio

  2. “A. Manzoni” Hospital, Lecco, Italy

    Andrea Rigamonti

Authors
  1. Lucio Tremolizzo
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  2. Federico Giopato
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  3. Maria Luisa Piatti
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  4. Andrea Rigamonti
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  5. Carlo Ferrarese
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  6. Ildebrando Appollonio
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Correspondence to Lucio Tremolizzo.

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Tremolizzo, L., Giopato, F., Piatti, M.L. et al. Myasthenia gravis mimicking stroke: a case series with sudden onset dysarthria. Neurol Sci 36, 895–898 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2098-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2098-0

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