Sudden onset orthostatic dysarthria as a presenting symptom of bulbar onset myasthenia gravis: a video case report

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that can present with various early clinical symptoms and signs. The diagnosis of MG with bulbar symptom onset can be clinically challenging for clinicians with limited experience with neuromuscular disorders.

This case report presents an elderly patient with an abrupt onset of orthostatic dysarthria, in whom a high level of diagnostic suspicion leads to a short period until confirmation of diagnosis. This clinical case shows symptomatic treatment initiation on the 4th day after the onset of symptoms in a patient with bulbar onset MG. Serologic confirmation of MG was received on the 11th hospitalisation day. This case report contains a short video of the evaluation of orthostatic dysarthria.

Orthostatic dysarthria is a rare presentation symptom for bulbar onset MG. Information on the evaluation of orthostatic dysarthria is sparse. Considering that bulbar onset MG can be a life-threatening condition, we would like to share our positive experience of rapid diagnosis and successful treatment.