Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
1
Q
Aetiologies?
A
Idiopathic
Associated with disease of the thymus
2
Q
Pathology?
A
Autoantibodies vs AchR at NMJ
Leads to failure of muscles to contract and relax properly
3
Q
Symptoms and signs?
A
Muscle weakness increasing with activity, begins with extraocular and descends with time
Ptosis, peek sign, snarl, mastication weakness –> dysarthria, dyspnoea, limb weakness and fatigue
NO LOSS OF REFLEXES
Symptoms worsen during stress and over treatment
4
Q
Investigations and findings?
A
Tensilon test - diagnostic
Autoantibodies - positive
EMG
CT chest - may reveal thyme disease
5
Q
Management?
A
Anticholinesterases
Immunosuppression
Thymectomy if associated thymus disease
6
Q
Epidemiology?
A
More common in males over 50 and women under 50
