Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 361: What investigation is used to help confirm the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis? _____

Answer: EMG with repetitive nerve stimulation

Flashcard 362: What is the next step in management for a patient developing respiratory failure due to myasthenic crisis? _____

Answer: Intubation

Flashcard 363: Following intubation, myasthenic crisis may be managed with _____ PLUS IVIG or plasma exchange

Answer: High-dose prednisone

Flashcard 364: Bell's palsy improves after ~_____ & is usually gone within 2 months

Answer: 2.5 weeks

Flashcard 365: _____ is an autoimmune disease due to production of antibodies against post-synaptic nicotinic ACh receptors at motor end plates

Answer: Myasthenia gravis

Flashcard 366: Myasthenia gravis has a bimodal age distribution at _____ and ~60 years old

Answer: ~20

Flashcard 367: Myasthenia gravis can be fatal because of _____

Answer: respiratory compromise

Extra: This life-threatening condition is known as a Myasthenic Crisis, characterized by neuromuscular respiratory failure requiring intubation.

Flashcard 368: Myasthenia gravis has progressive weakness because _____

Answer: high conc. of ACh are needed to compete with anti-ACh antibodies and yield the same muscle strength. Repetitive use means there is not enough time for ACh to be replenished, thus smaller and smaller amounts of ACh are released and the muscle becomes weaker and weaker

Flashcard 369: What is the self-care management of Bell's palsy? _____

Answer: Eye protection: - artificial tears / lubricants to prevent eyes drying - taping of eyes overnight to keep shut Eating: - Straws & soft diet

Flashcard 370: In patient's with ptosis due to _____, application of an ice pack over the eyelids will result in improvement of symptoms

Answer: myasthenia gravis