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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Conducting Miller-Urey Experiments
Published on: January 21, 2014
[A case of Miller Fisher syndrome with a false-positive edrophonium test]
Kosuke Yonemoto1, Shunichi Nomura1, Ai Shimizu2
1Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Kanazawa Medical Center.
Abstract:
A 69-year-old woman presented with acute bilateral ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and hyporeflexia in the extremities following an antecedent upper respiratory infection. We suspected that she had Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) and performed an edrophonium test (ET) to rule out myasthenia gravis (MG). Edrophonium chloride improved the patient's bilateral ptosis, but not her ophthalmoplegia. Given the absence of the waning phenomenon on electrophysiological examination, the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, and a diurnal variation of symptoms, we concluded that the ET result was a false-positive. A diagnosis of MFS was confirmed by the presence of a positive anti-GQ1b antibody. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of MFS with a false-positive ET.
Insights
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) can present with ptosis and ophthalmoplegia. This case report details the first instance of MFS with a false-positive edrophonium test (ET) in diagnosing myasthenia gravis (MG).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia.
- Distinguishing MFS from myasthenia gravis (MG) is crucial for appropriate treatment, as MGS is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
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