Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
What is pathophysiology?
Understanding how a disease has disrupted the physiology to produce symptoms
What does myasthenia Gravis affect?
Muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction
Where are the usual first signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Eye problems
What clinical name is given to drooping of one or both eyelids?
Ptosis
What clinical name is given to double vision horizontally or vertically?
Diplopia
What are other common first signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Face and throat issues
Limited facial expressions
Altered speech
Problems chewing
Difficulty swallowing
Where else can Myasthenia Gravis cause weakness?
Neck, arms and legs
What actions are impaired in myasthenia gravis?
Waddling gait
Difficulty holding head up
Difficulty lifting, getting up from a seated position, climbing stairs, brushing teeth, washing hair
What are more serious symptoms of MG?
Breathing issues as diaphragm innervation is weakening
Life-threatening
How is a myasthenic crisis treated?
Intubation and mechanical breathing for patient (artificial ventilation)
How does MG affect the NMJ?
Antibodies bind to ACh receptors and block them
This causes a halt in transmission of an action potential
What kind of disease is myasthenia gravis?
Autoimmune - anti-bodies attack cells of the patient’s body
What exams can be performed to test if your patient has myasthenia gravis?
Test for muscle weakness that worsens with repeated action:
Look up at ceiling for ptosis
Hold arms out to sides
Why does the weakness get worse with repeated action?
Acetylcholine storage runs out resulting in less transmission of the neurotransmitter and disruption in the delivery of action potentials
What is the demographic with the highest incidence of myasthenia gravis
Woman in her 20s/30s
Man in his 50s-70s
