Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

Overview

A healthcare provider will diagnose congenital myasthenic syndrome after a physical and neurological exam. They’ll review your symptoms and take a complete medical history. If they suspect CMS, they may ask you to perform a physical activity under their supervision to observe how your body reacts, like walking up stairs, for example. They may offer tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, like:

Blood tests.
Nerve conduction study.
Electromyography.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome genetic testing

Genetic testing helps your healthcare provider detect the gene change that’s causing your symptoms. Your provider may draw a small sample of your blood to examine your DNA. The gene change can help your provider detect what type of CMS you have and where in your neuromuscular junction there’s an issue.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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