Myasthenia Gravis and MND

Question 1

How is MND different from MS and polyneuropathies?

Answer 1

In MND, there is no sensory loss or sphincter disturbances

Question 2

How is MND distinguishable from Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 2

MND never affects eye movements, unlike in Myasthenia Gravis.

Question 3

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 3

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies acting against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This interferes with neuromuscular transmission.

Question 4

What is a common presentation of Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 4

Increasing muscular fatigue.

Patients’ voice becomes weaker and softer on counting to 50.

Question 5

In patients under 50yo, Myasthenia Gravis is more common in males or females? What conditions is it commonly associated with?

Answer 5

Myasthenia Gravis is more common in females for <50yo.

Associated with autoimmune conditions and thymic hyperplasia.

Question 6

In patients over 50yo, Myasthenia Gravis is more common in males or females? What conditions are commonly associated with it in this group of patients?

Answer 6

Myasthenia Gravis is more common in males for patients over 50yo.
Commonly associated with thymic atrophy or thymic tumour, rheumatoid arthritis, and SLE.