Additional CNS Disorders: Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
what is myasthenia gravis
neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and fatigability on exertion
in myasthenia gravis what is attacked at the NMJ
anti-body mediated attack on AcH receptors
risk factors for myasthenia gravis
age: 59
female
prior autoimmune disorder
SxS for myasthenia gravis
LMN disorder
weakness of face, throat, extremities, intercostals
diplopia, ptosis
laryngeal irritation
how long is progression for myasthenia gravis
typically within 18mo
what makes myasthenia gravis worse
continuing contraction
improves with rest
myasthenia gravis exacerbating factors
fatigue
illness
stress
extreme heat
beta blockers, Ca channel blockers, some antibiotics
what is ocular myasthenia
affects the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids
double vision, blurry vision, ptosis
what is myasthenic crisis
myasthenia gravis and respiratory failure
what % of pt’s have a myasthenic crisis
15-20%
median time frame from 8-12 mo of onset
potential complications from myasthenic crisis
fever, infxn, DVT, cardiac complications
treatment for myasthenic crisis
IVIg, plasmaphoresis
precipitating factors for myasthenic crisis
physical/environmental stressors
aspiration pneumonia
ifxn
perimenstrual state
pregnancy
sleep deprived
surgery
pain
extreme temps
tapering of immune-modulating meds
diagnostic testing for myasthenia gravis
edrophonium test
blood analysis
ice pack test
electrodiagnostic testing
pulmonary fxn test
what is an edrophonium test
used for myasthenia gravis
acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
looking for sudden increase in muscle strength from injxn of this
