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Has anyone had a severe weak spell due to Bulbar symptoms. I had one yesterday that lasted about 75 minutes.

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Pittsburgh, PA

I was in church in my wheel chair for about 40minutes and my throat was clogged and saliva wouldn’t go down talking was tough and I eventually lost my voice. This concerns me because I have never had a severe weak spell while I was sitting. People in the Church got me into our car so I could lay back and friends helped my wife get me in the house and into bed a half mile away. I could barely move and struggled for about 45 minutes before it let up. I fear aspirating my Saliva when I have… read more

October 11
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A MGteam Member

I have had every test the Cleveland Clinic does for MG all the blood tests and they are negative but major parts of my body are not working or are working poorly with no explanation but muscle weakness. The colon my diaphragm my throat my eyes my face and so much more but other than muscle weakness they have no explanation. I have drooping Eye I have sagging face Bulbar issues aspirating food voice changes losing voice weakness when I get up some strength returns and shortly after I get weak again and if I push it I get extreme weakness that I can’t use my arms legs neck anything. It all started with weakness in my left hip and pelvis causing short leg and many falls. I am confused and very sick I use a wheel chair because my strength lasts only a couple minutes. I can’t function without constant help.

October 20
A MGteam Member

If they suspected MG, why didn't they do blood work?

October 20
A MGteam Member

I have been to the ER 3 times since this started July 14th. Actually my current symptoms started July 14 but this has been actually been going on since last summer. I was told by a Optometrist that he believed I had Myasthenia Gravis. The Neurologist at Cleveland Clinic says I have Seronegative Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. I have had a more severe weak spell 2 weeks ago but we are sure my overdoing while on my feet started it. That one I couldn’t move and my wife struggled to get me in bed and I struggled to breath. Walking steps cause most of my episode. My shoulders have also set of another episode. We have completed at Cleveland Clinic all the MG testing but now we are looking for proof so we can get our insurance to approve the medication my doctor wants to use.

October 11
MGteam

What you experienced sounds really frightening, and it's completely understandable to be concerned. You are not alone — other MGteam members have shared similar experiences with severe bulbar episodes. One MGteam member described going into MG crisis where they couldn't breathe, walk, or talk, and had to be admitted to Show Full Answer

What you experienced sounds really frightening, and it's completely understandable to be concerned. You are not alone — other MGteam members have shared similar experiences with severe bulbar episodes. One MGteam member described going into MG crisis where they couldn't breathe, walk, or talk, and had to be admitted to intensive care.

Your fear about aspirating saliva is valid and worth taking seriously. When throat and tongue muscles weaken significantly, saliva and fluids can potentially enter the lungs instead of being swallowed safely. Please contact your neurologist as soon as possible about this episode. A 75-minute severe episode involving voice loss, inability to swallow saliva, and near-total body weakness while simply sitting is a significant warning sign that needs urgent medical attention.

Key things to tell your doctor:
- The episode happened while seated (not during exertion)
- Duration was 75 minutes
- You lost your voice completely
- Saliva pooling and swallowing failure occurred
- Near-total body weakness was involved

These could signal disease progression or worsening bulbar involvement requiring a treatment adjustment. Regarding aspiration risk specifically, strategies like thickening liquids, taking smaller sips, and practicing swallowing exercises can help reduce the risk. A speech therapist can also evaluate your swallowing safety and recommend personalized techniques.

If you experience breathing difficulty during a future episode, call emergency services immediately — don't wait it out.

October 11

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