Muscle Weakness ; Lecture Flashcards
(52 cards)
Muscle weakness due to _________ disease is typically proximal, while weakness from _________ disease is distal.
muscle; nerve.
True/False: Bulbar involvement is characteristic of Myasthenia Gravis (MG).
True.
What are the key anatomical structures involved in motor function?
Motor cortex.
Medulla/spinal cord.
Anterior horn cell.
Motor neuron.
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
Muscle.
True/False: Stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and tumors can affect the motor cortex and spinal cord.
True.
What key aspects should be assessed in the history of a patient with muscle weakness?
Onset (sudden vs gradual).
Distribution (proximal vs distal, symmetrical vs asymmetrical).
Variability (fixed vs progressive).
Associated sensory features (e.g., tingling, numbness).
Symmetrical weakness suggests _________ causes, while asymmetrical weakness often indicates _________ or inflammatory causes.
genetic or metabolic; vasculitic.
Which toxins can cause peripheral neuropathy?
Alcohol, nitrous oxide, chemotherapy, amiodarone, and lead.
What are the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy?
Diabetes.
Alcohol.
Idiopathic causes (20%+).
Peripheral neuropathies can affect _________, _________, or both, and may involve _________, myelin, or both.
motor nerves; sensory nerves; axons.
What are the hallmark features of Myasthenia Gravis?
Fatigueable weakness.
Proximal limb involvement.
Ptosis and diplopia.
Bulbar symptoms (speech, swallowing).
Risk of respiratory failure.
True/False: Chronic peripheral neuropathies are usually length-dependent, starting in the legs.
True.
Myasthenia Gravis is associated with _________ dysfunction, including thymic hyperplasia and _________.
thymus; thymoma.
True/False: EMG with repetitive stimulation is more sensitive than antibody tests for diagnosing MG.
True.
How is MG treated?
Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine).
Immunosuppressants (steroids, azathioprine).
Thymectomy if thymoma is present.
Monitoring forced vital capacity (FVC).
_________ myopathy and _________ myopathy are common drug-induced muscle disorders.
Steroid; statin.
True/False: Mitochondrial disorders may involve eye movement abnormalities and are associated with muscle disorders.
True.
What tests are critical for evaluating neuropathy?
History and examination.
Nerve conduction studies (NCS).
EMG.
CSF study.
Neuropathy and vasculitic screens.
A neuropathy screen includes _________, _________, and _________.
FBC; glucose; B12/folate levels.
How is myopathy investigated?
Creatine kinase (CK).
EMG.
Muscle MRI.
Genetic testing.
Biopsy.
A 50-year-old landlady reports tingling in her fingers and feet with clumsiness and frequent falls. What is the likely diagnosis?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
A 45-year-old reporter has numbness over the lateral two digits of the left hand. Phalen’s test is positive. What is the diagnosis?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
In a myasthenic crisis, _________ and _________ functions should be closely monitored.
respiratory; bulbar.
What are the key management strategies for neuromuscular diseases?
Multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement.
Address breathing and swallowing issues.
Treat underlying causes.
Provide supportive care (e.g., physiotherapy, OT).
_________ and _________ are critical red flags in neuromuscular emergencies.
Sudden respiratory distress; progressive bulbar dysfunction.