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Vladimir Hachinski, MD, DSc
London, Ontario

Arch Neurol. 2000;57:753.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

OCULAR myasthenia distresses. The patients neither see well nor look their best because of ptosis, strabismus, and diplopia.

Agius argues that half of the patients with ocular myasthenia have electromyographic evidence of generalized neuromuscular dysfunction and that most go on to develop generalized weakness, especially in the first year. He advocates treating patients with ocular myasthenia and generalized electromyographic changes not only for symptomatic relief, but to suppress the immune response. He believes that failing to do so may set the stage for exacerbations and progression.

Kaminski and Daroff point out that steroids are less effective in ocular than generalized myasthenia and that when they are effective, it may be impossible to wean the patients from them, condemning them to lifelong treatment. Moreover, 10% of patients go into spontaneous remission.

The benefits of steroid therapy in ocular myasthenia are uncertain, whereas the serious adverse effects are . . . [Full Text of this Article]

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Evidence report: The medical treatment of ocular myasthenia (an evidence-based review): Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology
Benatar and Kaminski
Neurology 2007;68:2144-2149.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT