How Can Myasthenia Gravis Be Diagnosed With Specific Tests And Results?

Posted on Wed, 3 Aug 2022

Question: I have been under investigation for dysphagia for approximately two years, and have had a battery of tests, most showing something wrong in my swallowing mechanism, but none fitting the criteria of any disease like achalasia. I was sent for a Acetycholine Receptor Antibody year. My results have come up online, but I have not heard from my doctor yet. The result was listed as: >0.20. Could you please interpret that for me? Is that a positive for myasthenia gravis? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The result is positive for raised AchR antibodies

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Isolated dysphagia may be due to many reasons and bulbar onset myasthenia gravis is one of them.
The report of AchR antibodies is positive with increased levels against normal values. You should. check the cut off valued too as it may vary with labs .
Please upload report or snap shot of online report with unit used.

The symptoms in such a disease is fluctuating symptoms with increasing dysphagia with prolonged talking or eating.
Benefit occurs with cold water and medications for myasthenia.
Visit and consult a neurologist for detailed examination.
RNST nerve conduction testing can be done too.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further information.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D