Keywords

Myasthenia gravis crisis, Neurology, Progressive weakness

 

Authors

  1. Deters, Darlene RN, MSN, ARNP-BC, CCRN
  2. Fowler, Stephanie L. RN, BSN
  3. Orozco, Raymundo RN, BSN, CCRN
  4. Smith, Patrick R. RN, BSN, CCRN
  5. Spurlock, Shelby RN
  6. Blackmon, Darlene LPN
  7. Thomas, Samantha AD, NREMT

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that causes skeletal muscle weakness. Typically, myasthenia gravis affects the ocular, bulbar, neck, proximal limbs, and respiratory muscles. Although the presentation is typically observed with complaints of vision and bulbar symptoms such as diplopia, dystonia, and dysphagia, this article presents a case study of an elderly man with a history of increasing upper extremity weakness with complaints of worsening hand dexterity and intermittent episodes of expressive aphasia. After cervical laminectomy with fusion, this gentleman was admitted to the medical intensive care unit, in a complete myasthenic crisis.