Myasthenic Test

Myasthenic test: a method for differential diagnosis of muscle weakness

Myasthenia gravis is a rare disease that is characterized by disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, which leads to muscle weakness and fatigue. This disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its varied manifestations and similarities to other neurological diseases. However, there is a method for differential diagnosis of muscle weakness, which is called myasthenic test.

Myasthenic test is one of the most common methods for diagnosing myasthenia gravis. This method is based on a temporary reduction in muscle weakness with subcutaneous administration of the drug proserin. Proserine is an alkaloid that blocks the activity of cholinesterase, an enzyme that destroys acetylcholine, which transmits signals from nerve cells to muscles. As a result of blocking cholinesterase, the amount of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft increases, which leads to increased muscle activity.

The myasthenic test method is as follows. The patient is injected subcutaneously with the drug proserin at a dose of 0.5-1 mg. Then, after 20-30 minutes, the level of muscle weakness is assessed. If the level of muscle weakness has decreased, this may indicate the presence of myasthenia gravis. If muscle weakness does not decrease, then this may indicate another disease.

It is important to note that the myasthenic test is not the only method for diagnosing myasthenia gravis. To confirm the diagnosis, a set of studies is necessary, including electromyography, determination of the level of antibodies to acetylcholine receptors and other methods.

In general, the myasthenic test is a simple but effective method for the differential diagnosis of muscle weakness. It can help doctors diagnose myasthenia gravis and prescribe appropriate treatment. If you suspect that you have myasthenia gravis or other diseases associated with muscle weakness, consult a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment.

The myasthenic test (test) is a method of differential diagnosis that allows you to determine whether muscle weakness is primary or secondary. It is based on the fact that in patients with myasthenia gravis, muscle weakness is temporarily reduced 20-30 minutes after subcutaneous administration of proserine (atropine).

To conduct a myasthenic test, the patient is injected intramuscularly with 0.5 ml of a 0.05% proserine solution. After 20-30 minutes, the patient is asked to perform several simple exercises, for example, raising his arms up and lowering them down. If muscle weakness has decreased, this may indicate that it is secondary, and another cause of the disease must be looked for.

Myasthenic tests can be useful in diagnosing various diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, polyneuropathy and others. They can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of myasthenia gravis treatment.

In conclusion, the myasthenic test is an important method for diagnosing muscle weakness and can help the doctor determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.