10 Questions
Which muscles are most commonly affected by myasthenia gravis?
Muscles of the eyes, face, and swallowing
What is the primary cause of myasthenia gravis?
Antibodies that block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
Blood tests for specific antibodies, edrophonium test, or nerve conduction study
What type of medications are commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
In what cases may surgical removal of the thymus improve symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
When the patient has a large thymus or develops a thymoma
What is a common symptom of cricopharyngeal spasm?
Sensation of a 'lump' in the back of the throat
What exacerbates the symptoms of cricopharyngeal spasm?
Stress
What happens to the sphincters in the esophagus when one swallows?
They relax to allow food to pass through
What is a potential cause of cricopharyngeal spasm according to psychiatry assumptions?
Low levels of serotonin
What is a distinguishing feature of cricopharyngeal spasm compared to other conditions?
The sensation of 'lump' is constant and severe
Study Notes
Myasthenia Gravis
- The most commonly affected muscles by myasthenia gravis are those involved in facial expressions, swallowing, and eye movements.
- The primary cause of myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the receptors for a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
- Myasthenia gravis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and edrophonium testing.
Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
- Medications commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis include anticholinesterase agents, such as pyridostigmine, and immunosuppressive drugs, such as prednisone and azathioprine.
Thymus Removal
- Surgical removal of the thymus may improve symptoms of myasthenia gravis in certain cases, particularly those with thymoma (a tumor of the thymus).
Cricopharyngeal Spasm
- A common symptom of cricopharyngeal spasm is difficulty swallowing, characterized by a feeling of food sticking in the throat.
- Cricopharyngeal spasm symptoms can be exacerbated by swallowing solid foods, eating too quickly, or experiencing stress.
- When one swallows, the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxes, and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens, allowing food to pass through the esophagus.
- According to psychiatry assumptions, a potential cause of cricopharyngeal spasm is anxiety or stress.
- A distinguishing feature of cricopharyngeal spasm compared to other conditions is the sudden, brief, and repeated contractions of the UES, which can be detected through electromyography (EMG) or manometry.
Test your knowledge about the long-term neuromuscular junction disease known as Myasthenia Gravis (MG) which causes skeletal muscle weakness, particularly in the eyes, face, and swallowing muscles. Learn about its symptoms, onset, and association with autoimmune response.
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