Dropped head as an unusual presenting sign of myasthenia gravis

Neurol Sci. 2007 Apr;28(2):104-6. doi: 10.1007/s10072-007-0796-y.

Abstract

Prominent or isolated weakness of cervical extensor muscles is a relatively rare clinical sign. Commonly, this is known as "dropped-head syndrome". This abnormal flexion of the head may occur in a variety of neuromuscular diseases and in a few non-neurological disorders as well. The case we describe concerns a 61-year-old woman with dropped-head syndrome as the unique complaint of myasthenia gravis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Head / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / drug therapy
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology*
  • Neck Muscles / drug effects
  • Neck Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use
  • Recovery of Function / drug effects
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide