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Pain, Headache, and Other Non-motor Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis

  • Secondary Headache (M Robbins, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is traditionally conceptualized as a disease with purely motor manifestations. This paper reviews the supporting evidence and pathophysiology of non-motor symptoms in MG, including pain, headache, special sense and autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbance, and cognitive and psychosocial issues.

Recent Findings

Work in this area has been limited. Recent studies have identified bodily pain and headache as common complaints in patients with MG. A growing literature also suggests that there may be an association of MG and sleep disturbance (both obstructive sleep apnea and sleep cycle dysfunction). Few studies suggest some measurable abnormalities of olfaction, gustation, audition, and autonomic function. The cognitive and psychosocial aspects of MG represent an emerging area of clinical and research interest, but large-scale data is sparse in the USA.

Summary

The pathophysiology of MG is complex, and our understanding of the immunologic basis of this disease is expanding. The classic view of MG as a purely motor disorder may be incomplete. Recent work highlights non-motor symptoms that may impact patient management and quality of life.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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  1. Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA

    Olivia Tong, Leslie Delfiner & Steven Herskovitz

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  1. Olivia Tong
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Correspondence to Leslie Delfiner.

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Olivia Tong, Leslie Delfiner, and Steven Herskovitz declare no conflict of interest.

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Tong, O., Delfiner, L. & Herskovitz, S. Pain, Headache, and Other Non-motor Symptoms in Myasthenia Gravis. Curr Pain Headache Rep 22, 39 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0687-3

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