EDROPHONIUM TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The edrophonium test is a medical diagnostic procedure used to evaluate and confirm the presence of myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. This test involves the administration of edrophonium chloride, a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, intravenously to the patient.
During the test, the patient's muscle strength is assessed before and after the administration of edrophonium. The examiner evaluates various muscle groups by asking the patient to perform repetitive movements or maintain a particular posture. Typically, muscles that are commonly affected by myasthenia gravis, such as the eyelids, facial muscles, and muscles of the neck and limbs, are tested.
If the patient has myasthenia gravis, there is a temporary improvement in muscle strength following edrophonium administration. This improvement occurs due to the increased availability of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The patient may experience decreased ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), improved facial muscle strength, enhanced grip strength, or reduced fatigability.
The edrophonium test is considered a valuable tool in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, particularly when an initial clinical evaluation is inconclusive. However, the test should be performed under careful medical supervision due to the potential risks associated with edrophonium administration, such as cholinergic side effects (e.g., bradycardia, increased salivation, sweating) and allergic reactions. Additionally, caution is necessary when using this test in patients with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Common Misspellings for EDROPHONIUM TEST
- wdrophonium test
- sdrophonium test
- ddrophonium test
- rdrophonium test
- 4drophonium test
- 3drophonium test
- esrophonium test
- exrophonium test
- ecrophonium test
- efrophonium test
- errophonium test
- eerophonium test
- edeophonium test
- eddophonium test
- edfophonium test
- edtophonium test
- ed5ophonium test
- ed4ophonium test
- edriphonium test
- edrkphonium test
Etymology of EDROPHONIUM TEST
The word "edrophonium" is derived from the combination of two components: "edro" and "phonium".
- "Edro" is derived from the chemical compound "ethyldimethylaminomethylphenol". Specifically, "ethyl" refers to the ethyl group (-C2H5), "di" indicates the presence of two methyl groups (-CH3), "methyl" refers to a single methyl group (-CH3), "amino" indicates the presence of an amino group (-NH2), "phenol" refers to a benzene ring with an OH group (-C6H5OH). These components combined form "ethyldimethylaminomethylphenol".
- "Phonium" is a common suffix for compounds used in the naming of drugs.
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