Pathophysiology, Signs And Symptoms, And Treatment Of...

Pathophysiology, Signs And Symptoms, And Treatment Of...
Title of the Paper in Twelve Words or Less Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that
affects nerve impulses to skeletal muscles. There are varying types of this disease and the symptoms
can range from mild, a person having peripheral skeletal muscle weakness, to severe, a person
having breathing problems (Sieb, 2014). Myasthenia gravis is diagnosed in 20 out of 100,000 people
in the United States, and women are more likely than men to have the disease (Meriggioli and
Sanders, 2012). This autoimmune disease can happen at any age, but women generally have an
earlier onset than men; the mean age for females is 28 and 42 for males (Nair, Patil–Chhablani,
Venkatramani, and Gandhi 2014). To better understand this disease this ... Show more content on
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Pathology of Myasthenia Gravis Since MG has subtypes the pathology of this disorder needs to be
analyzed by the autoantibody profile and the condition of the thymus (Meriggioli and Sanders,
2009). Pathologic antibodies target certain areas of the postsynaptic site of the skeletal muscle. In
addition hyperplasia of the thymus or thymic tumors are vary influential in the disease process
(Meriggioli and Sanders, 2012). Abnormalities of the thymus can lead to the development of the
autoantibodies that target AChR, which ultimately triggers muscle weakness (Meriggioli and
Sanders, 2012). . One pathological path of MG starts with antibodies against AChR, and this is the
most prevalent type of MG. AChR myasthenia gravis occurs in 80% of patients that have this ocular
or generalized disease, and the autoantibodies that disrupt AChR functions can arise from
abnormalities in the thymus (Nacu, Anderson, Lisnic, Owe, Gilhus, 2015).
Normal function of the postsynaptic receptor involves binding with acetylcholine, which causes
depolarization and ultimately muscle contraction (Meriggioli and Sanders, 2012). In this
autoimmune disorder several actions can occur involving antibodies that oppose normal function of
AChRs and result in disruption and damage of the receptor. Anti–AChR antibodies can block
acetylcholine by binding, cause complement lysis of motor endplate, or cause receptor degradation
by triggering cross–linking (Meriggioli and Sanders, 2012).
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Myasthenia Gravis Research Paper
Myasthenia Gravis is a weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles under voluntary control. This disease
is caused by an interruption in communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular
junction; this is the place where nerve cells connect with the muscles they control. The muscle
weakness increases through periods of activity and then improves during rest. For example, muscles
that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing, these are
the most often muscles affected. Other muscles that can be affected are muscles that control
breathing and neck and limb movement can be affected. Symptoms include, difficulty swallowing,
double vision, unsteady walk, weakness in arm and leg muscles, and difficulties ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
The main treatments are medications, therapy, and surgery. Some medications used to treat
Myasthenia Gravis are anticholinesterase agents such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine. These
medications help improve neuromuscular transmission and to increase muscle strength. Victims may
also take Immunosuppressive drugs, such as prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate
mofetil, and tacrolimus. These medications also help improve muscle strength. The medications
work by suppressing the production of abnormal antibodies. When taking these medications you
must be carefully monitored by a physician. An important therapy used to treat the disease would be
plasmapheresis, this procedure is when a specialist removes blood that is infected with abnormal
antibodies. Therapies may be used especially during difficult periods of weakness. Lastly surgery is
an option, one of the surgery procedures is thymectomy, this is the surgical removal of the thymus
gland. This is often abnormal in some cases. With the surgery it reduces symptoms in some cases
without thymoma and may cure people by rebalancing the immune system. Typically thymectomy is
recommended for individuals with thymoma. Thymoma is an uncommon tumor in the thymus. A
Neurologist will determine which treatment option is best for a patient, it all depends on the severity
of the weakness, which muscles are affected, the age of the patient, and any other associated medical

Single Fiber Electromyography ( Sfemg )
Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is another reliable diagnostic test for MG. This test
typically requires the use of a specialized EMG needle electrode that is inserted into a single muscle
in rapid succession in order to measure muscle "jitter" or fatigue (Selvan, 2011). This test measures
electrical impulses and activity between the brain and the muscle, and detects individual muscle
weakness. To establish possible MG in a patient, there are more jitters shown in weaker muscles.
SFEMG is highly sensitive and requires great technical expertise to administer. Unintelligible
speech or other voice disorders may be treated by an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose,
and throat doctor. Since vocal difficulties are common ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Although in some cases spontaneous improvement or remission has been reported, this is not
common, and patients should seek treatment in order to cope with MG (Sieb, 2014); however MG is
rarely life–threatening. Since many treatments for MG are successful, general outlook for patients is
bright, especially in terms of quality of life and daily functioning (Sieb, 2014). Treatment There is
currently no cure for MG, however there are multiple treatments available to manage the disease.
Depending on the state of the individual, practitioners will recommend a specific treatment protocol
by evaluating the short and long–term cost–benefits of available treatment options. These treatments
include: plasma exchange and IVIG, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, immunosuppressants,
and a thymectomy. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) and IVIg are treatments used for acute
management of severe muscular weakness. Symptoms usually improve for 1 to 2 months, and each
treatment is commonly used in conjunction with immunosuppressants (Skeie, et al., 2010). Plasma
exchange involves replacing plasma with 1–1.5 times the volume with saline, albumin, or plasma
protein fraction (Newsom–Davis, 2003). Ideally, by replacing the plasma there will be a reduced
amount of AChR antibodies attacking AChRs. IVIg (Intravenous immunoglobulins involves
administration of immunoglobulins (antibodies) that inhibit cytokines,

Skeletal Muscle Contraction
Neuromuscular junctions play a key role in skeletal muscle contractions, and they consist of axon
terminals, synaptic clefts, and junctional folds. The contraction begins with the arrival of a nerve
impulse at an axon terminal which causes acetylcholine (ACh) to be released into the synaptic cleft.
ACh then diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds with receptors on the sarcolemma of skeletal
muscles. This binding creates electrical events that allow an action potential through muscle fiber
which causes a muscle contraction. However, normal communication between a muscle and nerve
can be interrupted due to the neurological disorder, myasthenia gravis. In Latin and Greek,
Myasthenia gravis means "grave muscle weakness," (fact sheet). As stated ... Show more content on
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A study was conducted from January 2005 to January 2010 in order to determine if the presence of
myasthenia gravis affected the prognosis of patients that underwent an extended thymectomy. The
study consisted of 104 patients (61 men, 43 women, and 38 of these patients had myasthenia gravis
with the average age being about 55 years old) with thymoma. According to Zhefeng et. al.,
myasthenia gravis complicates a significant amount of thymomas, and the primary treatment method
for thymomas are extended thymectomies (2016). 11 patients faced a reappearance of a thymoma or
suffered to respiratory failure due to myasthenia gravis during this five–year study period. The
survival rate for patients with myasthenia gravis was 76%, and 89.1% in patients without
myasthenia gravis. In conclusion, patients with thymomas and myasthenia gravis had a poorer
prognosis than patients with thymomas without myasthenia gravis (Zhefeng et al.). Another study
was conducted from 1999 to 2014 to describe the outcomes of patients with myasthenia gravis that
had gone through a thymectomy. The patients in this study were 12 children (under 18 years of age)
that had a thymectomy at Phoenix Children's Hospital. The time for the patients' hospital stay ranged
from one to five days, and after a month these children did not contract an illness or faced death.
This

Myasthenia gravis is considered an autoimmune disease because people who have it carry an
antibody called polyclonal that destroys the acetylcholine receptors (Neurology, 2013). These
antibodies destroy receptor sites in the neuromuscular junction faster than the body can produce
them. Usually antibodies protect the body from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, but in the
case of MG it attacks accessories that are required for muscle movement. In a study conducted by
Jon Lindstrom and Seybold Marjorie (1998), it was concluded that out of 71 patients with MG, 87
percent of them had a greater amount of antibodies for destroying acetlycholine receptors than
normal (Lindstrom & Marjorie, 1998). They compared this amount to 175 patients ... Show more
For example, anti–acetylcholinesterase agents like Mestinon are available; these stop the breakdown
of acetlycholine allowing more to be created, letting more of it to be attached to receptors (Product
Information, 2005). Mesttinon and similar medications have been around for almost fifty years,
however they do cause nausea, muscle cramps and involuntary twitches. There is also
corticosteroids like prednisone which basically which reduce acetylcholine receptor antibody
(Treatment for MG, 2010). They are inexpensive but they may cause hypertension and diabetes
(Treatment for MG, 2010). Another major approach to treating myasthenia gravis is removing the
thymus gland. Between ten to fifteen percent of patients with MG have a tumor in this gland. The
relationship between myasthenia gravis and the thymus gland is still a topic under major study and
for the most part is unclear. However, some scientist say the thymus gland is what produces the
acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Over the years, patients with MG have gotten this thymus gland
removal done and have experienced improvement in muscle weakness. A study done by Giuseppe
Marulli, Marco Schiavon, Egle Perissinotto and their colleagues (2012) looked at 100 patients with
MG who went through the surgery to remove the thymus gland (Marulli et al., 2012). The results
stated that it was only a 60–300 minute procedure with a median three day

The Tired Swimmer Case Essay
The Tired Swimmer Case Study
Go to this Website: http://www.sciencecases.org/tired_swimmer/tired_swimmer.asp
Answer the Following Questions for Parts IIV.
Part I:
1. What vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit?
Fatigue, blurred vision, eye strain, shortness of breath, loss of control over muscles
2. Can you see any common features in Annie's signs and symptoms?
All relate to nervous system
3. Why is Annie having problems breathing?
She was walking up flights of stairs
4. What are the possible reasons for Annie's condition?
Peripheral Neuropathy, multiple sclerosis
Part II:
1. What additional vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit?
Double vision, drooping eyelids, strange sleeping habits
2. From the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
What is the role of the thymus in the body?
Training and development of T–cells and T–lymphocytes
2. What is an antigen?
Any substance that provokes an adaptive immune response
3. Go back to Figure 1, look at each stage, and predict where the antibodies in Annie's blood could
act to decrease synaptic function at the neuromuscular junction.
Stage 4
4. Neostigmine is one drug that may be prescribed for people with myasthenia gravis. This drug,
like the edrophonium chloride injection, will make Annie feel stronger. Go back to the flow
diagram, look at each stage, and determine how these drugs could work to increase synaptic
performance.
Neostigmine prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. Neostigmine helps muscles to contract
normally in conditions where they have been weakened by certain types of medicines or medical
conditions.

5. In the absence of treatment, what has happened to the amplitude of Annie's endplate

Case Study: Evolutec Plc.
The given case study was, The case is a young UK based biotechnology company. Evolutec was
founded in 1998 to commercialise the research from the Natural Environment Research Council's
(NERC) Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) (formerly Institute of Virology and
Environmental Microbiology) at Oxford. Weston–Davies, then development director, spearheaded
the formation of Evolutec with Professor Patricia Nuttall, as the principal inventor of Evolutec's
intellectual property (IP). A Virologist and an international authority on tick–borne diseases, she
proposed the opportunity of a new approach to therapeutics based upon isolating some proteins from
the saliva of ticks. This approach had no precedent and resulted in market scepticism that initially
adversely impacted the young company's fund raising ability. To get around these problems,
Evolutec was able to implement a streamlined outsourced business model that allowed it to survive
and develop its compounds from discovery research level to clinical development stage. Evolutec
successfully managed to turn around investor scepticism in stages to the ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Thus the young company Evolutec has applied a new way for the theraputetic. The new way that the
company has approached was animal based vaccine. But is causes scepticism in the Evolutec market
because of its awkward results. Then the Evolutec found a new way in 2001by introducing a
recombinant based products in the market. Then the recombinant form of product rEV131was
analysed preclinical and applied along the side of animal based product. Thus the rEV131 became
the lead product to the young

Myasthenia Gravis Case Study
Myasthenia Gravis(MG) is an auto immune disorder characterized by sudden dysarthria, which
affects muscles that help produce speech, causing difficultly to pronounce words. But other
symptoms include, droopy eye lids, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing. Because of the
sudden dysarthria, many elderly people are being misdiagnosed for possible strokes. Due to the
great extent of the misdiagnoses of MG, researchers did a study presenting four subjects that had
been presented to the ER with history of hypertension and sudden onset dysarthria. After
considering the patients in each study, researchers found that all patients were initially misdiagnosed
and treated for strokes, therefore prolonging the correct diagnose of MG and the correct form of
treatment for these patients. Once each patient ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
When the symptoms got worse, the doctor ordered an anti–acetylcholine receptor antibody test, that
came back highly positive. Immediately, the medications that she was previously on for a stroke was
stopped and she was treated with Pyridostigmine and steroids, which slowly improved her
symptoms. In cases two, three, and four, each patient experienced a fairly similar situation. Every
patient was suddenly struck by dysarthria, that did not improve over a few hours, which made them
end up at the ER. At this time, doctors diagnosed and treated these patients as if they had a stroke,
and once again when symptoms did not improve, further testing was done, and an antibody test
tested positive for myasthenia gravis. Just like in the first case study patient, when these patients
were correctly diagnosed and treated properly, they reported improvement of their symptoms or
their symptoms were no longer present after a

Myasthenia Gravis Research Papers
1. How does the disease present?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disease, where the muscles weaken. It is caused by a breakdown in
the normal communication between the nerves and muscles. This can be present in anyone at any
age, but more common in women younger than 40, men older than 60.
2. How is the disease diagnosed?
A person's doctor will conduct a physical examination based of medical history and symptoms.
Followed by tests, if needed. These include: neurological examination –checking reflexes, muscle
strength, muscle tone, senses of touch and sight, coordination and balance. Edrophonium test–
injection that has results suddenly but temporary. Ice pack test – Sometimes this is a test done before
the injection. If you have a droopy eye, the doctor will place ice in a bag and place it on the eyelid.
After two minutes, doctor will remove ice to analyze for improvement. Blood analysis, repetitive
nerve stimulation, imaging scans like a CT or MRI, pulmonary function test to test breathing.
3. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
What are the treatments for this disease?
Medications – they do have possible side effects, surgery and/or intravenous therapy.
4. Is there a cure?
There is no cure for Myasthenia Gravis. There are how ever treatments that can be discussed to help
relieve signs and symptoms.
5. What are the long–term effects of the disease?
Some only have mild symptoms; trouble talking, drooping of eyelids, fatigue, double vision,
difficulty breathing, facial paralysis, hoarse voice and/or problems walking upstairs or lifting object.
Others become confined to a wheelchair
6. If there are any clinical trials going on for your disease of choice, let the group

Myasthenia Gravis Lab Report
Treatments of myasthenia gravis Introduction Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease
which is related to a progressive inability to exert maintained or repeated contraction of striated
muscles. B lymphocytes produce autoantibodies which act against the post–synaptic nicotinic
acetylcholine receptors (AChR). The unusual activity of these B lymphocytes can be explained by
the fact that they are not properly controlled by T lymphocytes due to a disorder present in the
thymus gland (Xiu, Horton–Szar and Lucas, 2012). The T lymphocytes involved in damaging the
acetylcholine receptors are the main cause of the pathogenis present with MG because they modify
the synthesis of the high–affinity antibodies. This therefore triggers the loss of Ach receptors which
results in damage of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Neuromuscular transmission is affected ...
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The methods included the use of electrodiagnostic testing, repetitive nerve stimulation along with
single–fibre electromyography. The aim of this experiment was also to compare the difference of
efficacy between the therapeutic plasma exchange and the intravenous immunoglobulin techniques.
The clinical trial was performed on 110 MuSK MG patients and a follow–up of 5.3 to 11 years was
achieved. The results showed that for this particular clinical trial, the therapeutic plasma exchange
had an improvement among 93% of the patients whereas a positive outcome of only 61% was
present among the patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. However, several side effects
were observed and they include marked fasciculations, cramps or even worsening symptoms. 41%
patients have had at least one complication after the beginning of the treatment, the most common
causes being infection, non–compliance, reduction in intravenous immunoglobulin therapy or even
coincidental

Affecting about 20 out of 100,000 people per year in the United States, myasthenia gravis (MG) is
an autoimmune muscular junction disease that targets nerves and muscles (What is Myasthenia
Gravis, 2010). Myasthenia gravis attacks voluntary muscles such as the facial muscles, limbs and
other muscles, making these muscles weak and sometimes immovable. Someone who has
myasthenia gravis that has attacked the face can have droopy eyes, blurred vision and might lack the
ability to smile because of the weakening of muscles (Pressman 2014). Patients with the disease in
other muscles might have a hard time stabilizing their neck and even performing simple everyday
tasks. When a person becomes tired, the symptoms worsen. However in most cases, when

My Group Presentation Was Over Myasthenia Gravis
My group presentation was over myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular
auto–immune disease that is characterized by fatigable weakness in the skeletal muscles. This
occurs at the neuromuscular junction, in which acetylcholine that is being released by the pre–
synaptic neuron attaches to receptors at the post–synaptic neuron in order to generate a muscle
contraction. Basically the body produces antibodies that block, alter, or destroy these receptors thus
halting motor neurons from signaling the muscles to contract. It is currently unknown why the body
makes these antibodies. There are a multitude of ways of treating MG these include
anticholinesterase, steroid, and immunosuppressant medicines. In my paper, I will focus on the most
long–term solution of thymectomy by first giving an overview of characteristics of the surgery, then
contrasting open thymectomy (trans–sternal and trans–cervical) and video–assisted thoracic surgery
(VATS), and finally focusing on the overall effectiveness of the surgery. First we must define the
term thymectomy, why it is needed, who should receive it, and the goals of the surgery. A
thymectomy in layman's terms is the surgical removal of the thymus gland. The thymus plays a
major role in immune defense for the human body. As already stated MG is an autoimmune disease
in which the body makes antibodies that disrupts the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
The thymus gland has been found as the main source of

Myasthenia Gravis: It's Diagonosis and Treatment Essay
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS, IT 's DIAGONOSIS AND TREATMENT
Myasthenia gravis [MG] is a rare, autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. The incidence rates has
been reported as 2–7/10000 in central and western Virginia ( Thanvi ,2004).The onset of [MG] is
depends on age and gender .In patients younger than 40 years, women are more susceptible than
man to [MG],with a ratio of 7:3 :Above the age 50 [MG] are slightly more common in men with a
ratio 3:2.Myasthenia gravis are very rare in children.Juvinile [MG] is an autoimmune disorder
,while congenital [MG] results from genetic mutations that impair neuromuscular transmission. It
has been suggested that incidence of [MG] falls after 70 years of age. A recent study using AChR
antibody as a diagnostic ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The functional loss of AChRs reduces the probability of successful neuromuscular transmission
following adequate release of acetylcholine by the motor nerve terminal (Gardener,1968).The
relationship between myasthenia gravis and thymoma was noted more than 200 years ago,thymic
abnormalities are found in nearly 75% of patients with myasthenia gravis.Of these ,germinal
hyperplasia is noted in 85% and thymic tumours in 15%.Antistriated muscle antibodies are present
in 90% of patients with myasthenia gravis and athymoma (B Thanvi and lo ,2004).
The following figures 1 and 2 display what exactly happens at the postsynaptic membrane when
affected by [MG].
Figure 1.The cleft space is small compared Figure 2.Note changed

Essay Diagnosis and Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS contents
Topics.......................................................................................page number
Introduction.............................................................................................2
Epidemiological information........................................................................2
The normal functioning of an organ and
Pathogenesis of the disease.......................................................................2
Symptoms..............................................................................................2
Diagnosis...............................................................................................3
Treatment..............................................................................................3
Conclusion.............................................................................................4
References............................................................................................4
Introduction
Myasthenia gravis is a disease that affects voluntary muscles of the body; it causes the weakening of
the muscles. In this essay we will talk about how to treat myasthenia gravis, the symptoms and
causes ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As the message arrives at the end of the nerves, the message is transmitted to the muscles. Before
the message is transmitted to the muscles it has to pass the space between the end of the nerve and
the muscle, and that space is called neuromuscular junction. The message is transmitted from the
brain to the end of the nerve and from the nerve to the neuromuscular junction, and when the
message arrives the chemical called neurotransmitters are released.
When acetylcholine reaches the muscles side of neuromuscular junction, it attaches and locks into
receptors. If anything interferes with these steps, the nerve will not be able to control muscle
contraction. When there is an interruption of normal communication between the nerves and the
muscles at the neuromuscular junction, myasthenia gravis occur. This interruption is caused by
antibodies that prevent acetylcholine from reaching muscle by destroying or blocking the receptors.
Figure 3: Symptoms
Myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscles. They may affect muscles that control the
eyelid movement, facial expression and swallowing. The most symptoms of myasthenia gravis that
can be noticed are the weakness of the eye muscle that causes double vision. Some symptoms of
myasthenia gravis may include unstable walk, arm weakness, weakness in hands, fingers, legs and
neck, change in facial expression, having a hard time swallowing, shortness of breath, and having
problems with

The most interesting medical condition that i've learnt is a disease called myasthenia gravis, which i
happen to be suffering from.
Myasthenia gravis is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your
voluntary control. myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication
between nerves and muscles. Muscle weakness which is caused by myasthenia gravis worsens as the
affected muscle is used repeatedly.
Although myasthenia gravis can affect any muscles that control voluntarily, certain muscle groups
are more commonly affected than others.
Eye muscles
People who develop myasthenis gravis ,their first signs and symptoms involve eye problems, such
as:
Drooping of one eye or both eyelids (ptosis).
Double vision (diplopia), which ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Difficulty swallowing– you may choke very easily, which makes it difficult to eat, drink or take
pills. In some cases liquids you're trying to swallow may come out of your nose.
Problems chewing– The muscles used for chewing may wear out half way through your meal,
particularly if you're been eating something hard to chew , such as steak.
Limited facial expression– Your family members may comment and think that you've "lost you
smile" if the muscles that control your facial expressions have been affected.
Neck and limb muscles– Myasthenia gravis can cause weakness in your neck, arms and legs, but
this usually happens along with muscle weakness in other parts of your body,such as your eyes,face
and throat.
The disorder usually affects arms more often that legs. However ,if it affects your legs, you may
waddle when you walk. If your neck is weak, it maybe hard to hold up your head.
The causes of myasthenis gravis :
Antibodies– your nerves communicate with your muscles by releasing chemicals (neurotransmitters)
that fit precisely into receptor sites on the muscle cells at the nerve–muscular

Muscle Contraction Research Paper
In a healthy person, muscle contraction and movement is cause by a series of events coming from
the brain, going to the neuromuscular junction (the place between the nerve ending and the muscle
fiber), into the synapse, and into sodium ion channels. The way muscle movement is supposed to
work is with a starting action potential from the brain. Once the signal reaches the neuromuscular
junction, it causes voltage gated calcium ion channels to open up and calcium comes flooding in.
Inside the neuromuscular junction, there are vesicles that contain a neurotransmitter called
acetylcholine. When calcium is flooded into the cell, it causes these vesicles filled with
acetylcholine to merge with the border of the synaptic cleft, filling the inside

Local Disease – Myasthenia Gravis Introduction Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder in
which antibodies destroy neuromuscular connections which leads to problems with the nerves that
control muscles. The disease is characterized by weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscles. The
muscles mainly affected are that of the eye, mouth, throat and limbs. The key concept underlying the
disease is the decrease in the number of available acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions
due to an antibody mediated auto–immune attack. The disease was first documented by the great
physiologist Thomas Willis about 300 years ago (1). More importantly, extensive research and
studying has led to greater understanding of the disease during the ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Statistics have helped to conclude that Myasthenia gravis affects about 20 per 100,000 people
worldwide. In Australia, a study published by Gattellari M, Goumas C and Worthington JM revealed
that in 2009, there were 2574 prevalent cases of symptomatic and treated Myasthenia Gravis,
corresponding to an annual crude prevalence rate of 117.1 per 1 million residents. An interesting fact
revealed was that the disease tended to affect younger females and older females than other gender–
age based groups. The method used for this study was utilization of prescriptions for Pyridostigmine
Bromide from a national prescribing database to estimate incidence and the prevalence of
symptomatic and treated disease. In reality, prevalence and cases take a higher figure because many
cases remain undiagnosed or unreported. Treatment/therapies
The treatment of myasthenia gravis compromise of methods that are employed to supress the
immune system from being hypersensitive and hyper–reactive. Also, invasive procedures like
surgery is used to surgically remove the thymus.

Arthritis Personal Statement
During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Arthritis walk in
Philadelphia. Volunteering at the event allowed me to gain deeper intellectual engagement and also
influenced my future career. At the event, I had the opportunity to meet several people who suffered
with Arthritis. When observing the many effects that Arthritis had on people it widened my eyes to
the lack of healthcare in society. By the end of the day a lightbulb went off in my head and I knew
for sure that I wanted a career in medicine. I was certain that a career in health services was for me
because each person with arthritis warmed my heart and my mind began wondering about endless
ways to better their situation. Since I was a young girl I was sensitive, caring, and always trying to
find a way to help someone out of a bad situation. There are ... Show more content on
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Careers in the medical field will allow me to experience a life I never had, but always dreamed of. I
will finally be able to support my family financially without struggling and I will be able to say "I
am the first doctor in my family." That alone is enough to prove to myself that I actually made it.
While the arthritis walk made it obvious to me that I was passionate about working in the medical
field I wasn't really sure about the field of medicine I wanted to specialize in. I was unsure about the
field of medicine I wanted to specialize in until last year. Last year I was diagnosed with Myasthenia
Gravis, which is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes the fluctuating of muscle
weakness and fatigue. Muscle weakness makes it difficult for patients to chew, talk, swallow,
breathe, and control eye and facial movements. As of now, there is not a cure for this disease, but
there are treatments. Some ways to treat Myasthenia Gravis are immunosuppressants,
plasmapheresis, and the removal of the thymus gland. Suffering from Myasthenia Gravis has made
me realize that after

Taking a Look at Myasthenia Gravis
After each nerve impulse, the amount of ACh released by the presynaptic motor neuron decreases
due to a temporary depletion of ACh stores. This is a normal phenomenon known as presynaptic
rundown. MG results in a reduction of the available AChR at the postsynaptic membrane as well as
a flattening of the postsynaptic folds. Therefore, even without the phenomenon of presynaptic
rundown, MG can result in an inefficient neuromuscular transmission due to a reduction in the
number of AChRs at the motor end plate. The inefficient neuromuscular transmission and
presynaptic rundown phenomenon account for the fatigability seen in MG due to the progressive
decrease in the amount of muscle fibers that are activated with each successive nerve impulse.
Patients begin to exhibit symptoms of fatigue when there is a reduction of approximately 70% of the
available AChRs. The decrease in the amount of AChRs is believed to be due to multiple
mechanisms. Anti–AchR antibodies bind to and block target receptors, increase the turnover of
receptors, and damage the postsynaptic membrane by fixing complement. Autoantibodies against
the AChR are present approximately 80% of patients with MG. However, over 40% of the patients
without antibodies to AChR will have antibodies directed against the muscle–specific receptor
tyrosine kinase (MuSK). The MuSK protein is a transmembrane component at the postsynaptic
neuromuscular junction. The MuSK complex mediates the clustering of AchR during NMJ
formation

Myasthenia Gravis Essay
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is considered to be weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles that
you are able to control. It is caused by a breakdown in the usual communication between nerves and
muscles. Narcolepsy is a continuing sleep disorder described by overwhelming daytime drowsiness
and unexpected attacks of sleep. Many with narcolepsy find it very hard to stay awake for long
amount of time, regardless of the environments.
Narcolepsy affects 1 in approximately 2,000 people in the United States and several people are
uninformed of the disorder and go undiagnosed. Most that experience their first signs of narcolepsy
are between the ages of 10 and 25. The disease does not affect sex or age any differently. Some
symptoms of Narcolepsy ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Though myasthenia gravis can affect people of different ages, it's more likely to affect women
younger than 40 and in men older than 60 years of age. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will
analyze your symptoms and your medical history and proceed with a physical inspection. Your
doctor will run several tests. Too others they become anxious and want you to seek help. It also may
cause stress on others as assistance nay be needed. Myasthenia gravis was first explained by Thomas
Willis in 1672. It is an developed autoimmune disease with antibodies in contradiction of the
nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
My two systems, muscular and nervous, do communicate by the brain telling the muscles when and
how to move. The main structure of the muscular system is the muscles and is responsible for the
movement. The main structure of the nervous system is the brain which controls everything. The
nervous system maintains homeostasis by directing and regulating the other parts of the body. The
muscular system maintains homeostasis by helping with other body systems and maintaining body

Taking a Look at Myasthenia Gravis
People go to doctors offices with a lot of different conditions everyday. A lot of those conditions
happen to share the same symptoms which could make it hard to determine what is truly wrong with
a patient without a diagnosis. A diagnosis is "a methodical evaluation of symptoms and complaints
through interview, observation, testing instruments and/or procedures taken to determine if an illness
is present" (1). It is important that a person be diagnosed thoroughly and properly so that they can
receive the right treatment (if available) to make the patient better. A patient with symptoms like
Susan's would need a full diagnosis to determine exactly what he/she has, which is what her doctor
did. Her doctor's diagnosis made it easy for us to determine whether her illness is myasthenia gravis
or myotonic muscular dystrophy. Here's how.
We learned through research that myasthenia gravis and myotonic muscular dystrophy are two
common forms of muscular disorders. Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that usually
occurs in the arms, head and chest (2). Its symptoms include limb weakness, drooping eyelids,
impaired vision, difficulty chewing and swallowing, slurred speech, difficulty breathing and
abnormality of the thymus gland (3). Myotonic muscular dystrophy is one of many forms of
muscular dystrophy that is characterized by muscle wasting and myotonia or the inability to relax
muscles (4). Its symptoms include, but are not limited to drooping eyelids, cataracts,

The Effect Of Myasthenia Gravis On The Body 's Immune System
Definition:
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular system part of the
body. Chronic means persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. Autoimmune disorder is the
confusion of the body's immune system. The immune system form antibodies that mistakenly
identify healthy tissue as foreign and then, the antibodies will attack and/or destroy healthy body
tissue. Neuromuscular is the nervous system relationship with the muscles bring about body
movement.
Myasthenia Gravis affects the neuromuscular junction. Neuromuscular junction is the connection or
meeting place of the nerve and a muscle fiber. The nerves communicate with the muscle fiber by
telling it to move or contract. The nerves ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Speech may be slurred and facial expressions may be limited, making it hard to smile. It may be
difficult to hold head up due to weak neck muscles. Weak limb muscles cause difficulty walking,
climbing stairs, lifting objects, or holding arms up. Raising the body from a seated position may
cause difficulty. Chest muscles may also be affected, causing difficulty with breathing. This
particular symptom may cause serious problems, called a myasthenic crisis
Diagnosis:
MG may be difficult to diagnose and may not be determined for a couple of years. Reasons are as
follows: the onset is gradual with the symptoms worsening over time, weakness and fatigue can also
be signs and symptoms of other diseases, one or more of the voluntary muscle groups may
experience weakness and with different degrees of severity, and also every patient may experiences
the disease differently. After the medical history and physical examination, the physician may see a
need for further muscle and neurological tests. Blood tests can detect abnormal antibodies. Nerve
conduction studies and repetitive stimulation tests the nerve's communication with the muscle.
When stimulated a number of times the test will indicate muscle weakness. Single–fiber (EMG)
electromyography is a test that measures the communication between the nerve and a muscle by
inserting a small needle into a single muscle and recording the electrical muscle activity. CT scan or
MRI may be ordered to check for

Essay On Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis Damage to the neuromuscular junctions is due to an autoimmune disease called
myasthenia graves. The motor end plates, which are located on skeletal muscles, are affected
because there is a decrease in the amount of Ach receptors located on the motor end plate, which is
connected to the neuromuscular junction. The decrease is due to the unnecessary production of
antibodies, which bind to the motor end plate. This prevents Ach from binding to the receptors to
carry out a synapse between the skeletal muscle and a neuron, leading to a stop or weakening of
muscle contraction. The decrease in the amounts of synapses cause the skeletal muscle to lose
function, become weaker, and tire more easily. Men and women are both at risk for developing
myasthenia gravis, but the disease is more prevalent in women. However, the age of diagnosis
varies. Men typically receive their diagnosis between the ages of 50 and 60 years old; women are
usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. There is no known research to conclude
if a particular race is at a higher disadvantage to having ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
One type of drug class are anticholinesterase, which inhibits acetylcholine in order to increase the
levels of Ach in the body to bind to functional receptors to increase the amount of synapses.
Corticosteroids and immunosuppresants are other drugs that can be used to suppress the immune
system's attack on the motor end plates. To stop developing tumors on their thymus, patients might
opt to have their thymus removed by a procedure called a thymectomy. Another procedure that can
be done is a plasmapheresis, which reduces the number of antibodies in the blood so there are more
open receptors for Ach to bind to. However, it is important to know that treatment varies from
patient to patient and no patient is the same with this

Muscle Involvement In Muscle Disease
Involvement of muscles in neurological disease has been extensively studied over the past century.
By 1830, Charles Bell had identified muscular dystrophy as a cause of progressive weakness among
boys (McConville & Vincent, 2002). After extensive research, it was established that the disorder
was of neurological origin. Together with other diseases such as Myasthenia gravis, Parkinson
disease among others, it has been determined that muscular involvement in these diseases arises
from the neuromuscular connection. More importantly, many neural transmissions occur at the
muscle junctions through the actions of neurotransmitters. Any changes in the amount or structural
defects of the synapse cause muscular weakness and gradually loss of function. In other severe
cases, loss of nerves at the junctions causes permanent disability since nerves cannot be regenerated.
This focus will examine existing literature to provide an association of muscles properties and
neurological involvement. Muscle is an integral part of the skeletal and even visceral parts of the
human body. There are of either skeletal or visceral origin. Irrespective of their types, they are
needed for normal body function. More specifically, skeletal muscles are necessary in support and
movement and visceral muscles are primary ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
One way to understand this is to consider NMJ activity and neurotransmitter systems. A
neuromuscular junction is an important part in the transmission of an impulse from the brain to
particular areas of the body to elicit a reaction or a movement. More specifically, some skeletal
muscles will often not contract unless stimulated through a cascade of neurological transmission.
However, cardiac and smooth (visceral muscles) can contract without this stimulation. Thus,
focusing on skeletal muscles action about neurological disease will give clear

Parkinson's Disease As A Medical Condition
Parkinson's disease is one of the few diseases that have been around since ancient times. In the
ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda this disease was referred to as Kampavata. In AD 175
the physician, Galen of the western medical literature referred Parkinson's disease as "shaking
palsy". It was not until 1817 that a detailed medical essay was published on the subject by London
doctor, James Parkinson. The publication was titled "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy". This officially
established Parkinson's disease as a medical condition. The essay was based on six cases he
observed in his own practice and on walks around his neighborhood. The essay was to encourage
people to study deeper into the disease. Over the years the study of Parkinson's ... Show more
There are basic signs and symptoms, and they are as follows: tremor, shaking of the limb or hand,
slowed movement, Parkinson's disease may reduce the ability to move and slow down movement,
rigid muscles, when the muscles becomes very stiff, impaired posture and balance, a person's
posture may become stooped or a person may have trouble balancing, loss of automatic movements,
may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, speech changes, speech may
become monotone, and writing changes, writing may become smaller or it becomes hard to write.
The decease rate of Parkinson's disease varies in race. African–Americans had the highest crude
death rate (66.4%), followed by whites (64.6%), Hispanics (55.4%), and Asians (50.8%). 69.9% of
people with Pakinson's developed dementia by the end of the six–year study. Since Parkinson's
disease deals with the trouble of moving, it affects the nervous system. It happens when there is a
problem with certain nerve cells in the brain. Normally, these nerve cells make an important
chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the part of your brain that controls movement.
Myasthenia gravis was first recognized by Tomas Willis, a 17th century Oxford physician. The first
modern description was made in 1877 by Samuel Wilks, a London physician. Toward the end of the
19th century, primary muscle diseases and diseases due to denervation

Myasthenia Gravis Immune System
Introduction
This essay will describe the action of the immune system and discuss the development of
autoimmune diseases with a specific focus on Myasthenia Gravis (MG). It will first consider the role
of the immune system and its importance. It will then describe what autoimmunity is, and its
development. The third part focuses on MG, the physiology behind the disease and compares it to a
'healthy' person as well as any causal factors. Finally, some conclusions will be drawn about whether
the immune system really is, for or against us.
Role of the immune system
The immune systems role is to protect the body from pathogens.1 Pathogens must first breach the
physical barriers of the body to enter the organism.1 These include skin and ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
Each T–helper cells have a different receptor so not all types bind to the same MHC14. When a T–
helper cell binds to a specific MHC they activate. They also become either memory or effector
cells14. When T–helper cells are activated they release a protein called cytokine which is used in
cell signalling to alert other activated immunological cells of the infection15.This is the specific
immune system and it is important because this type of immunity allows a quicker response each
time the same pathogen enters the body this allows the pathogen to be removed

Myasthenia Gravis Case Analysis
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction which usually causes
muscle weakness and other problems. Some of the people who have Myasthenia Gravis experience
respiratory failures. It's very crucial that these patients stay away from interventions that might
worsen the disease process. In 2014 a 62 year old woman with a history of metastatic thymic
carcinoma and myasthenia gravis came to the emergency room in Houston, Texas. For two days this
lady had been experiencing weakness, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. They admitted
her into the intensive care unit because she had the symptoms of a myasthenia crisis. That evening
they ran a test and there was a substantial decrease in the patient's vital capacity. The patient
wouldn't agree to be intubated or ventilated. On the third day in the ICU the patient was granted a
trial of non–invasive ventilation, but this did not improve her condition. So finally she agreed to be
intubated ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
She felt as if her symptoms of difficulty swallowing, weakness, and hoarseness were getting worse.
Her vision was also getting worse. She was given another plasma transfusion and the symptoms
were resolved. She was transferred from the ICU at day 7 and released 3 days later.
I actually understood this article a lot more than the others minus the parts where it would talk about
certain medications and certain amounts of the medication. I feel as if it's very sad that we can't cure
myasthenia gravis. I feel bad that people have to live with this and there's nothing they can do
besides taking medication daily for the rest of their life unless they want to have flare ups and
symptoms. This disease would affect everyday life especially if you were having a flare up. You
would feel as if you couldn't walk or as if you were too heavy to walk. Back whenever I lived in
Manila I grew up very closely to my neighbors Mr. Walker and Mrs. Julie.

Team : Based Learning : Case Study On John Stillmann
Team – Based Learning:
Case Study on John Stillmann
John Stillman, a thirty–two year old gymnastics instructor, was presented to the clinic with
complaints of muscle weakness in the face that comes and goes. Symptoms have progressed over
the past two months to include tired jaw, difficulty swallowing, diplopia in the evening, increased
weakness in his limbs and shortness of breath. Physically visible, John has mild ptosis in both
eyelids and his smile is a bit off. Patient John Stillman portrays symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
(MG) meaning grave muscular weakness. According to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America,
the most common form of MG is chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, which can be seen
by loss of strength in the voluntary muscle groups (2015). Much research has been done for
Myasthenia Gravis, but there is still a lot of unknown information, such as a cure. In this study, one
will learn what Myasthenia Gravis is, how it is tested, possible complications, and how it is treated.
John's Disease
John shows symptoms as in Myasthenia Gravis (MG) such as diplopia, muscles weakness, mild
ptosis and jaw soreness. Myasthenia Gravis is painless and affects the eyes, face, legs, neck and
arms. In most cases the cause of MG is not known, symptoms potentially grow and become more
severe over time. As Dr. Henry J. Kaminski states, Myasthenia Gravis could lead to a serious fatal
condition if it goes untreated (2003). MG is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to

Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis can be classified as a chronic neurologic disease of the neuromuscular
transmission and characterized by presentation of fatigable muscle weakness to the external ocular,
cranial, respiratory and limb muscles (Smith, C., P.A.–C., & Stickler, D., M.D. 2012). The incidence
of this disease is about 20 per 100,000 people in various populations, affecting mostly women in
their 20's to 30's and men over the age of 60 (Postevka 2013).
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that annihilation the functional
acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular joints. Normally, acetylcholine is used in signal
transmission between nerves and muscles, its goal is to provide muscle contractions. But in this
case, the decreasing

unit 15 study guide Essay examples
The Tired Swimmer Case Study Go to this Website:
http://www.sciencecases.org/tired_swimmer/tired_swimmer.asp Answer the Following Questions
for Parts IIV. Part I: 1. What vital signs or symptoms does Annie exhibit? Blurred vision and eye
strain, hands ache and feel weak, gasping for air, weakness & Constant fatigue 2. Can you see any
common features in Annie's signs and symptoms? Blurred vision and eyestrain we must look at the
optic nerve within the brain. Whenever you don't see well other factors will play into it, like
headaches, soreness, and fatigue. 3. Why is Annie having problems breathing? Because she has
multiple sclerosis, Annie is having degeneration of this area since it is apart of the brain and spinal
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
According to Annie's EMG test, was Annie's skeletal muscle function normal? Annie's skeletal
muscle function was not normal in the EMG test. 3. Considering your answers to Questions 1 and 2,
why did activity in Annie's motor nerves produce a skeletal muscle response that fatigued during
repetitive stimulation? Annie's muscles fatigued after repetitive stimulation because there might be a
short in the nerve pathway. This would lead to a closer look at Annie's central nervous system for
possible causes. 4. Create a table that replicates Figure 1 and fill it out completely. 5. Now take each
stage in turn and discuss how sustained neural activity could create a dysfunction and result in a
decrease in muscle response during repetitive motor nerve stimulation. If the nerve impulse is not
released than it will not cause an action potential. If acetylcholine is not liberated than it would also
not cause an action potential which would not cause a muscle contraction. If the calcium and sodium
channels remain open, it would cause a uncontrolled muscle twitch. Part IV: 1. What is the role of
the thymus in the body? It processes the white blood cells T–lymphocytes which add cells in finding
and destroying bacteria, viruses, abnormal cell growth and non cell tissues. 2. What is an antigen?
An antigen is anything in the body the is non self which could include bacteria, viruses, chemicals
or abnormal cell growth.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Research Paper
Myofascial pain syndrome, otherwise known as MPS, is a chronic pain disorder. The word
myofascial broken apart means muscle, and muscle tissue, and fascia which is the membrane
supporting muscles. In the condition of MPS, pressure on sensitive points in the muscles, also
known as trigger points, cause pain in the muscle. Sometimes the trigger points also send pain to
other parts of your body that seem unrelated to the tense muscle, known as referred pain. Myofascial
pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. Although everyone
experiences muscle tension and pain, the discomfort associated with MPS will persist and worsen
over time. Trigger points are hypersensitive areas on the body that are typically located in the hip,
neck, shoulder, and other places where nerves connect muscle fibers. Over stimulation or irritation
of these areas sometimes has a specific effect in another ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
One of the main complication is sleep issues. The signs and symptoms of the syndrome make it
difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, and if someone moves a lot throughout the night
they could hit a trigger point and awaken in pain. Another main complication known is
Fibromyalgia. Research suggests that MPS could develop into fibromyalgia, which is a chronic
condition that features widespread pain. It is believed that myofascial pain syndrome could play a
role in starting this process. The main symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is a deep, aching pain
in a muscle. This pain persists and worsens over time making life more and more difficult. A tender
knot in a muscle can also be felt, which is known as the trigger point. Difficulty sleeping is also a
common symptom. Someone can experience difficulty falling asleep and sleep disturbances. The
pain areas affected most often are muscles, back, mouth and face, or neck. Also common are
tenderness, fatigue, muscle spasms, or

Myasthenia Gravis Papers
Myasthenia Gravis
Research: http://vetspecialists.co.uk/factsheets/Neurology_Facts/Myasthenia_Gravis.html Meta
Description: Myasthenia gravis is a serious condition that can effect the nerves and muscles of dogs
and cats.
Meta Key Words: Muscle weakness dogs, Muscle weakness cats, Myasthenia gravis dogs,
Myasthenia gravis cats
Myasthenia Gravis in Pets and Companion Animals
Every muscle in your body is controlled by your nervous system. The brain sends signals, or
impulses down your spinal column and out through the nervous system controlling the contraction
and relaxation of every muscle in your body, from the ones that control your eyelids to the ones that
you use to walk and jump. The same is true for your pets and companion animals.
When these signals get to your muscles they have to jump from the end of the nerve ... Show more
Over time, this incomplete or improper contraction of the muscles leads to weakness, prohibiting
them from exercising and being able to stand normally for extended periods of time. Additionally,
the condition can affect the muscles that regulate swallowing correctly and even the muscles that
enable your pet to breathe.
Congenital Versus Acquired Myasthenia Gravis
There are two basic forms of myasthenia gravis congenital and acquired. With the congenital form
of the disease, animals are born with too little of the receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
This type of MG is very rare and has only been found in Smooth–haired Fox terriers, Springer
Spaniels, and Jack Russell terriers. The acquired form of the disease is caused by a faulty immune
system and accounts for the overwhelming majority of cases. In acquired MG the affected animal's
immune system generates antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors in the animal's muscles.
Diagnosis and

Myasthenia Gravis, commonly abbreviated MG, literally means "grave muscle weakness". This
autoimmune disease is characterized by antibodies being misdirected to block ,alter, or destroy
acetylcholine (ACh) receptors at the motor end plate in the neuromuscular junction. ACh is the
neurotransmitter used by motor neurons to stimulate skeletal muscle fibers to contract and as
receptors for this neurotransmitter are increasingly attacked, it becomes more difficult for
individuals to move their muscles. The hallmark of MG is muscle weakness that increases during
periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Any voluntary muscle is at risk of being
affected but those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing are most
frequently affected. The degree of muscle weakness can range from these localized ... Show more
It is thought that mutations in particular genes can increase the risk of this disease but is not
decidedly a directly hereditary condition. It is possible to contract MG from treatment with
Penicillamine, interferon alpha, or even through a bone marrow transplant but is not believed to be
contagious. Sources from 1996 state that MG is more prevalent in females, occurring most often
between the ages of 20–50 (Tortora, 1996, p. 265). More recent sources state males as the more
affected gender with the most common age at onset being between 70–90 years. Women's most
common age at onset is the second and third decades("Myasthenia Gravis: Frequently Asked
Questions"). I am unsure what this trend actually indicates but it is possible that advances in health
care such as increased awareness and diagnosis of this particular disease are the reason behind it.
There are also cases of neonatal myasthenia where the fetus can acquire immunoproteins from a
mother affected by MG. These cases are generally temporary and subside within 2–3 months of
birth. Juvenile cases of this disease are not

Patho
PATHO DQ 2
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community–based, voluntary health
organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Together with its supporters,
ACS is committed to helping people stay well and get well by finding cures and by fighting back.
Critical Thinking Questions:
Imagine that a family friend or colleague has just been diagnosed with cancer. Explain how the
American Cancer Society might provide education and support. What ACS services would you
recommend and why?
According to statistics published by the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 1.5
million new cancer cases diagnosed each year over the next decade. What factors contribute to the
yearly incidence ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The ACS pairs up with many different medical organizations and preforms research that is best
related to the individuals diagnosis and specific needs. Another service the family got involved in is
the Rely for life. This organization raises money for all types of cancer prevention. Rely for life has
been a "life changing event in that it gives everyone within communities and

The Poison of Physostigmine Essay
Physostigmine is a white crystalline alkaloid extracted from the beans of Physostigma Venenosum
plant. The poisonous effects of Physostigma Venenosum have been known since nineteenth century.
William Freeman Daniel was the first scientist who observed the first use of calabar beans. He
traveled to Africa with a exploring discovering mission. Somehow, he ended up at the Old Calabar
near the Niger river. He observed the people, the culture, they way of life that they were lived in,
and government. He documented everything that he saw at the Old Calabar. Interestingly, he noticed
that justice system was harsh. The documented that court was composed of the king and several
chiefs and Calabar beans were used as a justice system. He said, if ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
He decided to swallow one quarter of a calabar bean on an empty stomach. When he realized he
poisoned himself, he drank his soapy shaving water to make himself vomit.
The experiments in the 1800s revealed the mystery of the Calabar beans and its physiochemical
properties. In the 1855, Robert Christison, a Scottish toxicologist and physician experimented
Calabar bean on himself. When he realized he poisoned himself, he drank soapy water to make
himself vomit. In the 1862 Thomas Fraser found the power of physostigmine contracting the pupils
of the eyes. In the 1864, the alkaloid was crytallized by Jobst and Hesse, which they called
"Physostigmine". In the 1865, Vee and Leven independently isolated an alkaloid from Calabar
beans. They called it eserine. In the 1870, the Calabar beans were used successfully to treat
glaucoma. In the 1973, Barthlow discovered the antagonism between atropine and physostigmine. In
the 1935, Percy Julian accomplished the first total synthesis of the physostigmine. In the 1936, Ed
Alburquerque discovered that physostigmine protects against nerve gases.
Physostigmine is white, odorless, and bitter microcrystalline powder, which can dissolve slightly in
water. It is soluble in alcohol, benzene, chloroform, ether, and very soluble in dichloromethane. It is
extremely toxic. Physostigmine sulfate was taken orally in rats. The lethal dose was 4mg/kg.
Physostigmine was taken intraperitoneal and

Myasthenia Gravis
Your arms are too weak to pick up the remote control, your eyelids too droopy to watch your
favorite show, your jaw too weak to chew and enjoy your meal. Episodes like these are all too
familiar to individuals suffering from Myasthenia Gravis, a rare & debilitating chronic autoimmune
disease. This disease can affect people of all ages and like all autoimmune diseases, sufferers of
Myasthenia Gravis have immune systems that attack the body, in this case, targeting an important
neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. This prevents acetylcholine from binding with the
acetylcholine nicotinic receptor thereby preventing the muscle from carrying out the signal and
contracting. The nature of this disease sometimes makes it difficult to diagnose as the definitive
causative agent is unknown, however, distinct clinical presentation, etiology and an understanding
of the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Because Myasthenia Gravis is such a rare disease, it makes it difficult for medical professionals to
diagnose it, often leading to misdiagnoses. The first reported case of the what is now recognized as
Myasthenia Gravis was documented in 1664 of Native American Chief Opechancanough whose
"mystery illness" caused "the excessive fatigue he encountered to wreck his constitution...his sinews
lost their tone and elasticity; and his eyelids were so heavy that he could not see unless they were
lifted up by his attendants... he was unable to walk..." It is believed that the mystery illness afflicting
the chief was most likely Myasthenia Gravis due to the hallmark symptoms of fatigue, bulbar &
ocular weakness as well as overall muscular weakness in the arms and legs. Because the facial
muscles are also affected, other symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis include muffled speech, difficulty
swallowing & chewing, and diplopia (double vision). In approximately 85% of MG patients, the
disease becomes generalized and within 3 years, the limbs, axial muscular groups like the neck
muscles, as

Myasthenia Gravis : An Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disorder
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder meaning grave muscular
weakness. Symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis include painless, fluctuating, and fatigable
weakness involving specific muscle groups. Weakness is usually least in the morning and progresses
as the day continues especially with prolonged muscle use. Double vision and drooping eyelids is
usually the first symptom complaint from patients with MG. The patient may complain of difficulty
with speech, chewing, swallowing, or breathing. Initial symptoms of difficulty chewing,
swallowing, or speaking is reported in 16% of patients. Weakness can also be present in the arms or
legs. Prevalence of MG is currently 20/100,000 in the United States. The ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Patients with MG are at a high risk for silent aspiration. Literature has demonstrated that silent
aspiration occurs in approximately 50% of those with MG who aspirate (Higo, Nito, Tayama, 2005).
Colton–Hudson reported silent aspiration in 4 out of 7 patients (2005). Kluin et al studied 8 elderly
men with MG and found silent aspiration in 5 out of 8 patients (1996).Due to the high incidence of
silent aspiration instrumental evaluation of the swallow is suggested for patients with MG. In most
instances cholinesterase inhibitor medication provides improvement in the patient's swallow. Colton
et al reports that active exercise to maximize the strength of the oropharyngeal muscles are generally
limited by fatigability and not recommended for dysphagia associated with MG (2002). Chewing
and swallowing functions may be improved by the administration of cholinesterase inhibitor
medication one hour prior to the meal. Speech–language pathologist can educate patients on taking
medication in conjunction with meal times. Other compensatory strategies can be implemented
following instrumental swallowing evaluation. The swallowing quality of life scale (SWAL–QOL)
could be used for patient reported measure of functioning for dysphagia. The SWAL–QOL has
demonstrated strong internal consistency and strong test re–test reliability (McHorney et al, 2002).
This test would be beneficial for intervention planning because it

Research Paper On Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fatigue
and exhaustion of muscle. The skeletal muscles is having different degrees of weakness and this
occurs when nerve cells and muscle are not be able to communicate efficiently and becomes
impaired. This impairment put a stop to the muscle contraction from occurring which can lead to
muscle weakness. Myasthenia Gravis originally comes from the Latin and Greek words that means
"grave muscle weakness''. According to Osserman (as cited in Turner, 2007) MG is divided into four
groups based on the severity of the disease – ocular myasthenia, generalised myasthenia of mild or
moderate severity, severe generalised myasthenia, and myasthenic crisis with respiratory failure.
The history of MG dated ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This essay is divided into two sections; the first section will explore the epidemiology of MG, the
signs and symptoms of MG, and its impact to the society; while the second section will examine the
structures involved in MG along with the changes that materialized on the normal structures which
lead into the occurrence of the disease.
This paragraph looks into the epidemiology of Myasthenia Gravis in Malaysia and other parts of the
world. Epidemiology is a branch of medicine that investigates factors contributing to increased
health or the occurrence of a disease in a particular population (Beaglehole, Bonita, & Kjellström,
1993; Tucker, Phillips, Murphy, & Raczynski, 2004, as cited in Brannon & Feist, 2010). According
to Breiner et. al. (2016), accurate identification of patients with MG and careful

The Daffodil or the Lent Lilly Essay
The Daffodil or Lent Lilly (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. of the Liliaceous family) is a flowering
plant that originates from "southern Europe, Asia, and North Africa" (Enna and Norton). By
tradition the Daffodil was used for inducing vomiting, topically for joint pain, and for hysteria and
epilepsy (Enna and Norton). As medical and plant sciences have progressed, Galantamine an
alkaloid produced by the Daffodil has been researched for its interactions with the nervous system in
reliving the symptoms of Alzheimer's (New Drugs). While Daffodil's medical benefits are just
starting to be realized, for its neurological effects and other possible uses it is poisonous to humans.
The toxic substances produced by the Daffodil can cause nausea, ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
(Enna and Norton) Today the main use of the Daffodil in medicine is for galantamine. In a USDA
double blind study Galantamine was show to be statistically significant in reducing the symptoms of
Alzheimer's patients. (New Drugs) "Acetylcholine (ACh) degenerates in the brains of patients with
the disease. Thus cholinergic defects represent an important neurochemical disturbance contributing
to cognitive deterioration. Recent gains in research include the Development of drugs that inhibit
acetylcholine, the enzyme that breaks down ACh. Cholinesterase inhibitors, as they're called,
increase the availability of ACh in central synapses and the response of nicotinic receptors to ACh."
(New Drugs) Though not a cure it does provide some relief from this terrible disease. Galantamine
is also used as a sleep aid, achieving vivid dreams, or improving memory solidification while
sleeping. (Enna and Norton) There are other beneficial or possibly beneficial alkaloids produce by
the Daffodil are lycorine, galanthine, and haemanthamine of more than 20 that are produced by the
Daffodil. (Enna and Norton) "While research suggests that two of the daffodil alkaloids, lycorine
and haemanthamine, halt the proliferation of certain types of cancer cells, further work is needed to
define the clinical significance of this finding." (Enna and Norton) While Lycorine and
haemanthamine could further the fight cancer it maybe a moot

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