Myasthenia Gravis

Question 1

What is MG?

Answer 1

• autoimmune disease resulting in neuromusular junction patholgoy.
• decrease in the transmission of nerve impulses
• Antibodies destroy or block the receptors needed for acetylcholine uptake and prevents muscle contraction

Question 2

Eitiology

Answer 2

autoimmune disease pricess that has an association with an [enlarged thymus]

Also associated with:
- DM
- RA
- Lupus

Question 3

Sign and Symptoms

Answer 3

• Extreme fatiguability
• skeletal muscele weakness (can fluctuate within minutes or over an extended period of time)

Occular muscles are typically affected first: can lead to ptosis or diplopia

• Dysphagia
• Dysarthria
• CN weakness

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

There are remissions and exacerbations

A myasthenia gravis crisis is a medical emergency!!
- includes the respiratory muscles and requires a ventilator

• Acetylcholinesterase drug therapy
• plasmaphereis
• immunosupressive therapies

PT:
- energy conservation techniques
- strengthening via isometric contractions
- educate on possivle osteoporsis for patient with long-term corticosteroid use

Question 5

Which muscle groups are typically more affected

Answer 5

Proximal Muscle Groups

Question 6

What should therapist avoid when treating a patient with MG?

Answer 6

Strenuos Exercse and Stress

Excessive cold or heat as this can exacerbate symptoms

Question 7

How should PT exercise patient with MG?

Answer 7

using moderate to macimal isometric contractions

• try avoiding muscle fatigue