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Diagnosing neuromuscular disease in Neuro Critical Care

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Synopsis

Brandon Foreman gives a practical approach to the diagnosis and workup of neuromuscular disease in neuro critical care. Neuromuscular diseases are common and include chronic autoimmune disorders such as myasthenia gravis, acute demyelinating disorders like Guillain Barre, paraneoplastic disorders, and toxidromes such as botulism. The presentation of many neuromuscular diseases can be subtle: diffuse weakness, subtle swallowing difficulty, or double vision. Many patients do not present until its nearly too late, and timely diagnosis can lead to rapid stabilization of airway, autonomics, and other potentially lethal complications and expedited treatment of the underlying cause. Brandon’s first piece of advice pertaining to neuromuscular disease in critical care? You have to recognise it! There are subtle clues littered through the history and physical exam of a patient. A nasal voice indicates oropharyngeal weakness. This is important to recognise and can tip you off to the likely diagnosis. New onset eye compl