Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Changes in Corticomotoneuronal Transmission in Humans
Published on: May 24, 2017
Tensilon and the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis: are we using the Tensilon test too much?
M S Okun1, C M Charriez, M T Bhatti
1Department of Neurology, Emory Clinic, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. msokun@dnamail.com
Background:
Tensilon (edrophonium chloride) is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, detection of early digitalis toxicity, reversal of neuromuscular blockade, and other medical conditions. Toxicity associated with Tensilon use has appeared in the literature for decades.
Review Summary:
This review discusses the risks of Tensilon and the information practitioners should know before administering the drug. We review the literature regarding serious toxicity of this drug and offer recommendations for its safe use.
Conclusions:
A careful medication history should be taken before the administration of Tensilon. Additionally, physicians should be aware of appropriate alternative methods of diagnosis before choosing to administer Tensilon. Physicians should be aware of the clinical situations where the Tensilon test no longer is indicated.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

