Neuromuscular Dz's

Question 1

What is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission?

Answer 1

Myasthenia gravis

Question 2

Describe the pathophysiology of Myasthenia gravis?

Answer 2

Autoimmune disorder of the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction

The receptors of the neuromuscular junction are blocked by antibodies –> Blocks Acetylcholine

Question 3

The most common symptom of neuromuscular disease is what…

Answer 3

WEAKNESS

Question 4

Myasthenia gravis occurs in what PT demographics most commonly?

Answer 4

Females: 2nd to 3rd decade
Males: 7th to 8th decade

Question 5

What is the typical clinical presentation of myasthenia gravis?

Answer 5

May have enlarged thymus
Fluctuating fatigue (worsens as day goes on, hot temps, stress, infxn

Question 6

What clinical studies could you order to definitively Dx Myasthenia Gravis in a suspected PT?

Answer 6

Serology of:
~ Acetylcholine receptor antibodies
~ Muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK)

Tensilon (Edrophonium)
EMG (Electromyogram) –> assess Nerve/muscle function