Submaximal nerve stimulation with the Datex relaxograph NMT monitor in myasthenia gravis.

ABSTRACT

Recently submaximal train-of-four stimulation of motor nerves has been reported as a reliable technique for monitoring the neuromuscular function in patients awakening from anaesthesia, in order to prevent residual curarization. On the basis of the similarity between curarization and Myasthenia Gravis, we studied the neuromuscular impairment of four myasthenic patients by means of a commercially available monitor, which has been designed for routine application in the operating room. We demonstrate that the cardinal features of Myasthenia Gravis can be easily detected with this simple and painless method.