Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
what is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission
- myasthenia gravis
what is myasthenia gravis caused by
- autoimmune disorder which attacked acetylocholine receptors at the NMJ
- causing weakness and fatigability of muscles
what are the two types of myasthenia gravis
- ocular myasthenia gravis
- generalized myasthenia gravis
myasthenia gravis is associated with what other conditions
-
other autoimmune conditions
- RA, SLE, autoimmune thyroiditis
-
thymus abnormality (75%)
- hyperplasia or thymoma
Myasthenia Gravis is hallmarked by weakness in what 4 things
- ocular
- bulbar (speech, chewing, swallowing)
- limb (typically upper extremities)
- respiratory muscles
what condition is characterized by fluctuating weakness and faitgue of specific. muscle groups. Weakness worse at end of day or after exercise.
myasthenia gravis
myasthenia gravis symptoms are worsened by
- hot temperature
- surgery
- emotional stress
- illness
- menstruation
- medication
List 3 medications that make myasthenia gravis worse
- Fluoroquinolones
- Beta blockers
- Hydroxychloroquine
what is the bimodal distribution of ae for myasthenia gravis
- 20s-30s (female > male)
- 60s-80s (male > female)
what studies would you do to assess for myasthenia gravis
- EMG and nerve conduction study
- will see decreased response on repetitive nerve stimulation
What test can be done for myasthenia gravis
- Edrophonium (Tensilon) test
- inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and allows the Ach to stimulate the limited number of Ach receptors
what is a quick screening test that can be done to check for myasthenia gravis
- Ice pack test
- cold temperature improve neuromuscular transmission
what are the serologic tests for autoantibodies to make the myasthenia gravis diagnosis
- AChR Ab: acetylcholine receptor antibodies
- MuSK Ab: Muscle specific kinase antibodies
why would you order a CXR or CT chest if you suspect myasthenia gravis
- chest for thymic abnormalities/thymoma
What is Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome
- impaired release of Ach
- often associated with small cell lung cancer