Chapter 32- Neuromuscular Diseases Flashcards
Signs and symptoms of neuromuscular diseases
Exertional dyspnea
Fatigue
Orthopnea
Cor pulmonale
What are the major consequences of resp muscle weakness
Resp insufficiency and inability to clear secretions
What does orthopnea indicate
Diaphragm weakness
How can neuromuscular disease be suspected with normal pft
Repeat while patient is supine, if fev1 or fvc is 20 percent less, diaphragm weakness is present
What is diaphragm pacing
Direct stimulation of an intact phrenic nerve to contract the diaphragm
What are suggested niv settings for neuromuscular patients
Lower Epap-2-3
Higher iPap-7-15
What is critical illness myopathy
Flaccid weakness of proximal muscles making patients difficult to wean from mv
What are risk factors for developing critical illness myopathy
Corticosteroids use
Paralytics
Hyperglycaemia
Hyperthyroidism
How is critical illness myopathy prevented
Avoiding risk factors
What are 3 disorders of the neuromuscular junction
Mg
Lambert-eaten syndrome
Poisoning (botulism, tetanus)
What is mg
Intermittent muscular weakness
How can mg be differentiated from other neuromuscular disorders
Tensilion test- muscle weakness will improve when given eprophonium or neostigmine
How does mg arise
Production of antibodies against ach
Antibodies deactivate ach and block nerve transmission
Mg typically starts where
In the eyelids
What is myasthenic crisis
Respiratory failure or inability to maintain airway
What treatments are considered for mg
Anti cholinesterase meds- neostigmine, edrophonium
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants
IgG in myasthenic crisis
Which neuromuscular syndrome is associated with cancer
Lambert Eaton syndrome
What is gbs
An acute inflammatory demyleating neuromuscular disease causing resp insufficiency
Autonomic nervous system problems such as hypotension, flushing, bradycardia are common with
Gbs
Gbs typically improves within
2-4 weeks after progression stops
What is critical Illness polyneuropathy
Muscle weakness, atrophy, loss of deep tendon reflexes and loss of peripheral sensation.
Critical illness polyneuropathy has a strong correlation with
Severe sepsis
What is another name for als
Lou Gehrig disease
What is the one approved medication for als
Riluzole