autonomic disorders Flashcards
It plays a crucial role in controlling involuntary bodily functions.
Autonomic Nervous System
It is a vital component of the peripheral nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Two main branches of ANS
Sympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
It prepares the body for stress and action, activating the “fight- or-flight” response.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Promotes relaxation and conservation of energy, activating the “rest-and-digest” response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle fibers from contracting effectively.
Myasthenia gravis (MG)
Two main types of Myasthenia gravis
Ocular MG
Generalized MG
This type affects only the muscles of the eyes, causing symptoms such as double vision and drooping eyelids.
Ocular MG
Symptoms for Ocular MG
Double vision and Drooping eyelids
This type affects muscles throughout the body, leading to more widespread weakness and fatigue.
Generalized MG
NOTE:
The hallmark of MG is muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
• Visual Symptoms
• Facial Weakness
• Respiratory Issues
• Limb Weakness
Diagnosis of Myasthenia gravis
• Blood Tests
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Tensilon Test
Evaluates muscle response to a drug that inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, temporarily improving muscle strength in MG patients
Tensilon Test
Assesses muscle function by measuring electrical activity in response to nerve stimulation.
Electromyography (EMG)
Detect antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, which are present in most MG patients.
Blood Tests
Pharmacological Interventions for Myasthenia Gravis
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
Examples of Cholinesterase inhibitors
Neostigmine
Pyridostigmine
Example of Corticosteroids
Prednisone
Examples of Immunomodulators
Azathioprine
Cyclosporine
Function of Cholinesterase inhibitors
Increase acetylcholine levels
Functions of Corticosteroids
Suppress the immune system
Function of Immunomodulators
Suppress the immune system
Non-pharmacological Interventions for Myasthenia Gravis
• Eye exercise
• Physical Therapy
• Dietary modifications
Specific exercises can help improve vision and reduce ocular symptoms in patients with ocular MG.
Eye exercises
Regular physical therapy sessions can help maintain muscle strength and improve overall mobility.
Physical therapy
Proper nutrition and weight management can help reduce fatigue and improve overall well-being.
Dietary modifications
It is a group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness.
Glaucoma
Two main types of glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
The most common type, characterized by a gradual increase in IOP due to a blockage in the trabecular meshwork. It develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
A less common type characterized by a sudden increase in IOP due to a narrowing of the angle between the iris and cornea. This type can cause acute symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
NOTE:
Glaucoma symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease.
Open-angle glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.
Often asymptomatic, especially in open-angle glaucoma
Early stage
Gradual loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision.
Progressing stage
Significant vision loss, halos around lights, eye pain (in angle-closure glaucoma).
Advanced stage
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
• Eye Exam
• Dilated Eye Exam
• Visual Field Test
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Creates detailed images of the optic nerve and retina.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Evaluates peripheral vision to detect any loss.
Visual Field Test
Assesses the optic nerve and anterior chamber angle.
Dilated Eye exam
Measures intraocular pressure (IOP) using tonometry.
Eye Exam
Pharmacological Interventions for Glaucoma
• Beta-Blockers
• Prostaglandin Analogs
• Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists
• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Decrease fluid production in the eye.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Reduce fluid production and increase drainage.
Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists
Increase fluid outflow from the eye.
Prostaglandin Analogs
Reduce fluid production in the eye.
Beta-Blockers
Surgical Interventions for Glaucoma
• Laser Trabeculoplasty
• Trabeculectomy
• Drainage Implant Surgery
Involves implanting a small tube or shunt in the eye to drain excess fluid and lower IOP.
Drainage Implant Surgery
Creates a new drainage channel to allow fluid to flow out of the eye, bypassing the blocked trabecular meshwork.
Trabeculectomy
Uses laser energy to create a new drainage channel in the eye, improving fluid outflow.
Laser Trabeculoplasty
For patients with both cataracts and glaucoma, cataract surgery can sometimes be beneficial in managing intraocular pressure.
The removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens can help improve fluid drainage in some cases.
Cloudy lens obstructing vision and potentially affecting fluid drainage.
Before Cataract Surgery
Clear artificial lens improving vision and potentially aiding in fluid drainage.
After Cataract Surgery
Lifestyle Modifications for Glaucoma Management
• Regular Exercise
• Healthy Diet
• Stress Management
• Protective Eyewear
Moderate exercise can help lower intraocular pressure and improve overall health.
Regular Exercise
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques may help stabilize intraocular pressure.
Stress Management
A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may support eye health.
Healthy Diet
Wearing sunglasses and protective goggles can prevent eye injuries that may exacerbate glaucoma.
Protective Eyewear
These are crucial for the early detection and management of both myasthenia gravis (when it affects the eyes) and glaucoma.
These conditions can progress without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making routine check- ups essential for preserving vision and overall eye health.
Regular comprehensive eye exams
For individuals at higher risk of glaucoma, such as those with a family history or certain medical conditions, more frequent eye exams may be recommended. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent vision loss.
Schedule routine eye exams as recommended by your eye care professional.
Regular Check Ups
Identify potential issues before they cause noticeable symptoms or vision loss.
Early Detection
Begin appropriate interventions early to prevent or slow disease progression.
Timely Treatment
