Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
1
Q
What is MG?
A
autoimmune condition causing muscle weakness that gets progressively worse with activity and improves with rest.
2
Q
What causes MG?
A
blocked excitatory effects of Act on nicotinic receptors (causes weakness)
3
Q
How does MG present?
A
proximal muscles affected. diplopia, ptosis, difficulty swallowing, fatigue when chewing, slurred speech, myasthenia snarl
4
Q
How to diagnose MG?
A
Fatiguability tests (prolonged upward gaze, counting backwards), raised antibodies (anti-ACh-R, MuSK, LRP4)
5
Q
How to manage MG?
A
Pyridostigmine (reversible ACh inhibitors), thymectomy, rituximab
6
Q
What is myasthenia crisis?
A
Triggered by respiratory failure and may require non-invasive ventilation and IV immunoglobulins
