Myasthenic crisis is a life-threatening exacerbation of myasthenia gravis (MG) characterized by worsening of myasthenic weakness that requires intubation or noninvasive ventilation. Let’s explore the causes and triggers of myasthenic crisis:
1. Respiratory Infections: Fevers, coughs, colds, and lung infections (such as pneumonia) can trigger a myasthenic crisis.
2. Surgery: surgical interventions as well as the associated anesthesia can lead to a crisis.
3. Thymus Tumor: A tumor of the thymus (a gland in your chest) may contribute to a crisis.
4. Aspiration Pneumonitis: Breathing in stomach acid or vomit (aspiration pneumonitis) can worsen symptoms.
5. Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disorders may play a role in precipitating a crisis.
6. Medication Changes: Alterations in medications can impact MG symptoms and potentially lead to a crisis.
7. Monthly Periods or Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy may affect MG.
8. Stress: Trauma, surgery, emotional upset, and stress can exacerbate myasthenia gravis.
9. Contrast Dyes: Some contrast dyes used in imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs) may be associated with crisis.
Source:
(1) Myasthenic Crisis – What You Need to Know – Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/cg/myasthenic-crisis.html.
(2) What Is a Myasthenic Crisis and How to Avoid It – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-know-about-myasthenic-crisis-a-breathing-emergency.
(3) Myasthenic crisis – UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/myasthenic-crisis.
(4) Myasthenia gravis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352036.
(5) Myasthenia Gravis – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis.
(6) Myasthenia Gravis | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/myasthenia-gravis.
(7) undefined. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
(8) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myasthenia_gravis.
Verified by Dr. Petya Stefanova
