Myasthenia Gravis Flashcards
1
Q
What is the cause of myasthenia gravis?
A
Autoimmune mediated
- Antibodies sensitise to nicotinic ACh receptors (AChR)
- This happens at the NMJ
Thymus tumour has been linked
2
Q
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
A
Weakness in limbs after normal strength at first
Eyes
- Ptosis
- Diplopia
Bulbar muscle weakness
- Dysarthria
- Deterioration of voice on talking for a while
Dyspnoea
3
Q
What tests should be done for myasthenia gravis?
A
NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
Repetitive stimulation
- Muscle response deteriorates
- Single fibre jitter
CT Thymus
4
Q
Blood tests?
A
AChR antibody
MuSK antibodies
5
Q
Blood results?
A
AChR elevated
HOWEVER
Can sometimes be normal so test MuSK antibody (muscular specific tyrosine kinase)
6
Q
Surgical management?
A
Thymectomy if thymoma found on CT
7
Q
What procedure can be done to help reverse the autoimmune conditions?
A
Immunoglobulin/plasma exchange
8
Q
Pharma treatment?
A
Immunosuppresion
Anticholinesterase inhibitor
9
Q
What anticholinesterase inhibitor can be used?
A
Pyridistigmine
