Summary of Myasthenia Gravis - symptoms, pathophysiology, investigations, treatment
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing weakness in various muscles including eyes, limbs, and respiratory muscles.
- The autoimmune attack occurs at the neuromuscular junction, where acetylcholine is released to stimulate muscle contraction.
- The disorder is characterized by antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle fatigue and weakness.
- Myasthenia Gravis can also be caused by certain medications.
- Clinical features include fluctuating weakness, ptosis, diplopia, and respiratory muscle weakness.
- Myasthenia crisis is a medical emergency requiring intubation or ventilation.
- The disease has three stages: active phase, stable phase, and remission phase.
- Investigations for Myasthenia Gravis include the ice pack test, tensilon test, EMG, and serological tests for antibodies.
- Differential diagnoses include Lambert-Eaton syndrome, botulism, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and motor neuron disease.
- Management includes awareness of medications, thymectomy, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Notable Quotes
— 06:28 — « Because mycena gravis is an autoimmune disease, there is an association with other autoimmune diseases including thyroid disease, shrogen syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. »
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