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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Pain And Weakness In Shoulders And Upper Arms, Pain In Tongue, Unable To Chew Food. Myasthenia Gravis ?

Sometimes I have pain and weakness in my shoulders and upper arms to the point where even brushing my hair I have to put my arms down many times to rest them for a few seconds before continuing. This morning in addition to that my tongue was also weak and achy to the point that I couldn t even chew my food without stopping to rest my tongue before continuing. Many years ago (I m now 59 years old) while pregnant I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis but the symptoms disappeared after the birth of my baby. I m wondering if perhaps this is the same thing...
Fri, 17 Aug 2012
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Dear friend, welcome to HCM.
you could have guessed it right. it could be MG (myasthenia).
is the weakness increased on activity and better with rest?

is there worsening on raising both arms together above shoulder? does this cause breathlessness too?
is there double vision on tiring?
are lids drooping?
is swallowing difficult?

myasthenia many times is associated with thymoma (a tumour in the upper chest) which also can produce symptoms.
pl. see your neurologist/ physician soon and get evaluated to confirm or rule out myasthenia, as you had it long back.
you would be evaluated with antibody tests, NCV/ EMG studies, CT scan if needed.
of course there may be differential diagnoses.

I hope to have guided you in right direction.
take care and keep me posted on your progress.
good luck !
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Pain And Weakness In Shoulders And Upper Arms, Pain In Tongue, Unable To Chew Food. Myasthenia Gravis ?

Dear friend, welcome to HCM. you could have guessed it right. it could be MG (myasthenia). is the weakness increased on activity and better with rest? is there worsening on raising both arms together above shoulder? does this cause breathlessness too? is there double vision on tiring? are lids drooping? is swallowing difficult? myasthenia many times is associated with thymoma (a tumour in the upper chest) which also can produce symptoms. pl. see your neurologist/ physician soon and get evaluated to confirm or rule out myasthenia, as you had it long back. you would be evaluated with antibody tests, NCV/ EMG studies, CT scan if needed. of course there may be differential diagnoses. I hope to have guided you in right direction. take care and keep me posted on your progress. good luck !