Myasthenia gravis and telemedicine: a lesson from COVID-19 pandemic

Neurol Sci. 2021 Dec;42(12):4889-4892. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05566-8. Epub 2021 Aug 26.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has induced an urgent reorganization of the healthcare system to ensure continuity of care for patients affected by chronic neurological diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG). Due to the fluctuating nature of the disease, early detection of disease worsening, adverse events, and possibly life-threatening complications is mandatory. This work analyzes the main unresolved issues in the management of the myasthenic patient, the possibilities offered so far by digital technologies, and proposes an online evaluation protocol based on 4 simple tests to improve MG management. Telemedicine and Digital Technology might help neurologists in the clinical decision-making process of MG management, avoiding unnecessary in presence consultations and allowing a rational use of the time and space reduced by the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Myasthenia gravis; Tele-health; Tele-neurology; Telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / epidemiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Telemedicine*