Epilepsy and Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• The association between epilepsy and myasthenia gravis is rarely documented.
• Previous reports are limited to small case series.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of epilepsy in myasthenia gravis patients and vice versa.
• To describe clinical characteristics of patients with both conditions.
• To explore potential physiopathological mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, observational study conducted in 2022.
• Adult patients recruited from a specialized Myasthenia Gravis and Epilepsy Unit.
• Analysis of clinical data from five patients with co-occurring conditions.

Main Results:

• Frequency of epilepsy in myasthenia gravis cohort: 1.1% (5/469).
• Frequency of myasthenia gravis in epilepsy cohort: 0.35% (5/1432).
• All patients had focal, often drug-resistant epilepsy; myasthenia gravis was generalized in 3/5.
• Epilepsy onset preceded myasthenia gravis onset in all cases.
• Autoimmune etiology considered in 3/5 patients; other autoimmune diseases present in 40%.

Conclusions:

• Epilepsy and myasthenia gravis are infrequently associated.
• Epilepsy onset typically precedes myasthenia gravis onset in adults.
• Some cases suggest a shared autoimmune etiology or coexistence with other autoimmune conditions.