Myasthenia gravis—an analysis of multimodal evoked potentials

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is a comprehensive analysis of the parameters of exogenous evoked potentials (visual, brainstem auditory, and somatosensory) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), a prototype of both neuromuscular junction disease and autoimmune disease. The study also seeks to isolate electrophysiological changes that may indicate disorders within the central and/or peripheral nervous system. Methods: A total of forty-two consecutive patients with myasthenia gravis (24 women, 18 men) were included in the study. All of the patients underwent EP examination. MR images were also analyzed. Results: In the group of MG patients, the latency of P100 (113.9 ± 13.9; p < 0.0001) VEP, wave III (3.92 ± 0.29; p = 0.015), wave V (5.93 ± 0.32; <0.0001), interlatency III–V (2.00 ± 0.12; p < 0.0001), interlatency I–V (4.20 ± 0.28; p < 0.001) BAEP, and all components of SEP (N9, P10, N13, P16, N20, P22) were significantly longer. Mean wave I and V amplitude BAEP were relatively lower. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest the presence of disturbances in the bioelectric activities of the central and peripheral nervous system in MG patients.