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Myasthenia mimicking vertebrobasilar stroke
Richard Libman1, Richard Benson, Kenneth Einberg
1The Department of Neurology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, The Long Island Campus for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA. libman@lij.EDU
Journal of Neurology
|November 7, 2002
Summary
Myasthenia gravis can mimic acute ischemic stroke, particularly in the posterior circulation. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid inappropriate thrombolysis and ensure correct treatment for stroke mimics.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Thrombolysis offers a critical treatment for acute ischemic stroke.
- Accurate stroke diagnosis is vital due to treatment risks.
- Stroke mimics pose diagnostic challenges in emergency settings.
Observation:
- Myasthenia gravis is an uncommon condition that can mimic stroke.
- Two cases of myasthenia gravis presenting as posterior circulation stroke are detailed.
- One case suggested basilar thrombosis due to its rapid onset.
Findings:
- Myasthenia gravis can present with symptoms indistinguishable from posterior circulation stroke.
- Rapid diagnostic evaluation is essential to differentiate stroke from mimics.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to hazardous and ineffective treatments.
Implications:
- Recognizing myasthenia gravis as a stroke mimic is essential for emergency physicians.
- Avoiding unnecessary thrombolysis in myasthenia gravis prevents patient harm.
- Timely and accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate management for stroke mimics.