What test is commonly used for diagnosing myasthenia gravis?

The tension test, specifically known as the edrophonium test, is commonly used to help diagnose myasthenia gravis. This test involves administering edrophonium chloride, a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which temporarily increases the levels of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. In patients with myasthenia gravis, a brief improvement in muscle strength is typically observed after administration. This temporary improvement can provide indicative evidence of the condition.

While other diagnostic tests may be utilized in conjunction with the tension test, such as electromyography or assessing specific antibodies in the blood, the tension test is particularly notable for its direct interaction with the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis and its ability to quickly demonstrate muscle weakness reversal. Thus, the tension test holds a significant role in the diagnostic process for this neuromuscular disorder.