Fatigable muscle weakness is the clinical hallmark of the human autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis (MG). Weakness of the oropharyngeal muscles produces dysphagia, which continues to be a major source of morbidity in MG. In this study we prospectively assessed 20 patients with myasthenia gravis who described difficulties with swallowing. Videofluoroscopic assessment showed disordered swallowing in all, with abnormalities in oral, pharyngeal, and, to a lesser extent, oral preparatory phases. Of the 20 studied, 7 aspirated, most of whom did so silently. Laryngeal penetration occurred in many more patients. The characteristics of dysphagia in MG are described and compared with other neurological disorders that can produce dysphagia.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Colton–Hudson, A., Koopman, W., Moosa, T. et al. A Prospective Assessment of the Characteristics of Dysphagia in Myasthenia Gravis . Dysphagia 17, 147–151 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-001-0114-4
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-001-0114-4