Myasthenia Gravis Presentation After a Cervical Laminectomy With Fusion.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that causes skeletal muscle weakness. Typically, myasthenia gravis affects the ocular, bulbar, neck, proximal limbs, and respiratory muscles. Although the presentation is typically observed with complaints of vision and bulbar symptoms such as diplopia, dystonia, and dysphagia, this article presents a case study of an elderly man with a history of increasing upper extremity weakness with complaints of worsening hand dexterity and intermittent episodes of expressive aphasia. After cervical laminectomy with fusion, this gentleman was admitted to the medical intensive care unit, in a complete myasthenic crisis.
Darlene Deters, RN, MSN, ARNP-BC, CCRN, is a board certified advance practice nurse at the Center for Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Stephanie L. Fowler, RN, BSN, is a critical care registered nurse in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Raymundo Orozco, RN, BSN, CCRN, is a Captain of the United States Army and is a critical care registered nurse in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Patrick R. Smith, RN, BSN, CCRN, is a Captain in the US Army and is a critical care registered nurse in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Shelby Spurlock, RN, is a critical care registered nurse in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Darlene Blackmon, LPN, is a licensed practical nurse in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Samantha Thomas, AD, NREMT, is a staff sergeant in the US Air Force and is a Critical Care Technician in the Critical Care Nursing Services, San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Darlene
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Deters
Stephanie L
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Fowler
Raymundo
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Orozco
Patrick R
PR
Smith
Shelby
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Spurlock
Darlene
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Blackmon
Samantha
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Thomas
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000209:etiology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*