Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Neurology

Myasthenic Crisis

Respiratory failure in myasthenia gravis — distinguish from cholinergic crisis, IVIG / PLEX, ITU support, identify trigger.

Source: ABN; AAN consensus

Step 1 of ~3
info

Recognise

Acute respiratory failure or severe bulbar weakness in known/suspected myasthenia gravis (MG). Triggers: infection (most common), surgery, drugs (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, beta-blockers, magnesium, ICI, neuromuscular blockers), pregnancy/postpartum, thymoma, abrupt steroid initiation/withdrawal, stress. • Distinguish from cholinergic crisis: excessive pyridostigmine causes weakness + SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI cramps, Emesis), miosis, fasciculations.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

📚 MRCEM Revision

Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways

A deeper exam-focused version of this pathway is available on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.

MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.

Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.