Neuromuscular junction disorders

Question 1

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by what?

Answer 1

Antibodies attacking the acetylcholine receptor (B cell mediated)

Question 2

What are some symptoms of MG?

Answer 2

Weakness and fatigue of muscles, drooping eyelids

Question 3

How is MG diagnosed?

Answer 3

Antibody testing, EMG and CT chest to screen for cancer of the thymoma

Question 4

What drug is used to treat MG?

Answer 4

Pyridostigmine (acetylcholine inhibitor)

Question 5

What treatments are used for MG?

Answer 5

Thymectomy, steroids, novel treatments, IVIG, or plasma exchange

Question 6

What causes Lambert-Eaton?

Answer 6

Antibodies attack voltage-gated calcium channels at the neuromuscular junction or cancer

Question 7

What are voltage gated calcium channels used for?

Answer 7

Acetylcholine release

Question 8

What are some symptoms of Lambert Eaton?

Answer 8

Muscle weakness (proximal), autonomic symptoms, and absent tendon reflexes

Question 9

What diagnostic techniques are used to diagnose Lambert Eaton?

Answer 9

EMG, antibody screening and cancer screening

Question 10

What treatments are used for Lambert Eaton?

Answer 10

Tumour removal, amifampridine (increases acetylcholine), steroids, and IVIG/PLEX