Myasthenia Gravis Vs Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards
Myasthenia Gravis Causes
Auto immune disorder
Resulting in a reduction of the number of acetylcholine receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction
Weakness is typically worse after exercising better after rest
Variable clinical course with remissions and exacerbations
Myasthenia Gravis Incidence
Affects 2–5,000,000 people in the United States per year
Predominant age 20–40 years but maker
Incidents peaks in the third decade for females; in the fifth and six decades for males
Occurs more commonly in women
Myasthenia gravis signs/symptoms
Ptosis Diplopia Dysarthria Dysphagia Extremity weakness Fatigue Respiratory difficulty Sensory modalities in deep tendon reflexes are normal
Myasthenia gravis lab/diagnostic
Antibodies to acetylcholines receptors (AchR-ab) are found in the serum and 85% of patients
Myasthenia gravis management
No specific protocol: neurology referral
Anticholinesterase drugs block the hydrolysis of acetylcholine and are used for symptomatic improvements [pyridostigmine bromide (Prostigmin)]
Immunosuppressive
Plasma pheresis
Ventilator support maybe needed during a crisis
Multiple Sclerosis Causes
Autoimmune disease marked by numbness, weakness, loss of muscle coordination, and problem with vision, speech and bladder control
The bodies immune system attacks Milan, a key substance that serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals
Variable clinical course with remissions and exacerbations
Multiple sclerosis incidence
Greatest incidence is in young adults: usually between 20 and 50 years of age
More common persons of western European descent, living in temperature zones
Multiple sclerosis signs/symptoms
Weakness, numbness, tingling or unsteadiness in a live; may progress to all limbs spastic paraparesis Disequilibrium Urinary urgency or hesitancy Optic atrophy Nystagmus
Multiple sclerosis labs/diagnostics
Definitive diagnosis can never be based solely on laboratory findings Mild lymphocytosis common Slightly elevated protein and CSF Elevated CSF IgG MRI of the brain
Multiple sclerosis management
No treatment to prevent progression of the disease; neurology referral
Recovery from a cute relaxes hastened by steroids
Anti-spasmodics
Interferon therapy
Immunosuppressive therapy
Plasmapheresis
