Sudden dysphagia in an elderly quadriparetic patient

[en] Clinical case: We report the case of a 92-year-old quadriparetic patient who suddenly presented a major swallowing disorder following trauma to the neck. A diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was suggested by single-fibre EMG of the extensor digitorum communis muscle. In view of the continued absence of dysphagia after 6 months of pyridostigmine treatment, this diagnosis was considered as definitive. Discussion: We review the various characteristics of myasthenia gravis and ways of investigating dysphagia. Conclusion: It is important to be aware of and investigate all the direct and indirect signs of dysphagia and establish the exact aetiology, in order to provide the best possible treatment.

Disciplines :

Neurology
Orthopedics, rehabilitation & sports medicine

Author, co-author :

Kaux, Jean-François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle

Ongena, France

WANG, François-Charles ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Services généraux (Faculté de médecine) > Relations académiques et scientifiques (Médecine)

Crielaard, Jean-Michel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Evaluation et entraînement des aptitudes physiques - Médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle

Foidart-Dessalle, Marguerite ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Biomécanique

Language :

English

Title :

Sudden dysphagia in an elderly quadriparetic patient

Publication date :

February 2009

Journal title :

Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

ISSN :

1877-0657

eISSN :

1877-0665

Publisher :

Elsevier Masson, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

62-65

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2008.11.003

Available on ORBi :

since 10 February 2009

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Bibliography

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