The diagnostic value of stapedius reflex and stapedius reflex exhaustion in myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Authors studies impedance, stapedius reflex thresholds and stapedius muscle exhaustion on 31 ears of 16 MG patients. Investigations were carried out using GSI 33 computer-assisted middle ear analyzator. Stapedius reflex threshold values were increased in 93% of patients. Stapedius exhaustion was observed in 71% of patients. After the administration of the reversible cholinesterase inhibitor Mestinon (60 mg pyridostigmin bromide), reflex threshold decreased and exhaustion occurred in only 50% of cases. Authors review the literature in context with the audiometric diagnostics of MG and also recommend the use of these methods in more complicated ocular and bulbar cases of MG.