Week 8 Myasthenia Gravis

Question 1

what is MG

Answer 1

grave muscle weakness

Question 2

what is MG characterized by

Answer 2

varying degrees of weakness, which increases with activity and improves with rest

Question 3

what muscles are affected first

Answer 3

repetitive muscles, high contracting muscles, like the eyelids, facial expression and respiratory muscles

Question 4

what kind of disease is this and what does that mean

Answer 4

a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease, that produces antibodies against ACh receptors. affects the peripheral nerve system

Question 5

how many people per year, what gender, and life expectancy

inherited?

Answer 5

3 in 100,000
women
normal
not directly inherited

Question 6

what is the most common complaint of people with MG

Answer 6

fatigue

Question 7

what muscles are affected

Answer 7

voluntary, mostly muscles that control eye and eyelid movements, facial expressions and swallowing

Question 8

what are generally the first signs

Answer 8

eyes, speech and swallowing

Question 9

how does severity range

Answer 9

from ocular (eye muscles only) to generalized form (everything)

Question 10

what are some other symptoms and signs

Answer 10

diplopia, unstable or waddling gait, SOB, weak arms, hands, fingers, legs and back

Question 11

what do people with MG develop, what is it

Answer 11

thymomas (tumors of the thalamus gland) usually benign .results in autoimmunity, and the production of ACh receptor antibodies

Question 12

what is the dysfunction for diagnosis

Answer 12

motor dysfunction without sensation, cognitive, autonomic symptoms

Question 13

what kinds of tests pick it up and treat it

Answer 13

blood test (for ACh antibodies)
IV edrophonium chloride (blocks breakdown of ACh and increases it at junction)
EMG to fatigue the nerves

Question 14

what is myasthenic crisis

Answer 14

occurs when muscles that control breathing are weakened, and you need artificial ventilation
already weak, triggered by infection, fever or reactions.

Question 15

what are the three classes of MG medications

Answer 15

Antocholinesterase agents,
immunsupressive
IV (transfusions or injections?)

Question 16

what is a surgical consideration for MG

Answer 16

thymectomy (especially with thymoma). rebalances the immune system

Question 17

what is the prognosis of MG

Answer 17

stable or slow progressive, and medical treatment means over 90% survival.

long lasting with thyroidectomy is about 50%

some go into remission, or their weakness disappears altogether

respiratory failure with severe MG, medical emergency

Question 18

what are some exercise considerations for MG

Answer 18

functional training, no set exercise guidelines, but endurance exercises hinger and we do not want inflammatory effects of overworking,

also, avoid fatigue, more of a concern then muscle damage.