Myasthenia Gravis
| Definition: |
A disorder of neuromuscular transmission characterized by weakness of cranial and skeletal muscles. Autoantibodies directed against acetylcholine receptors damage the motor endplate portion of the NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION, impairing the transmission of impulses to skeletal muscles. Clinical manifestations may include diplopia, ptosis, and weakness of facial, bulbar, respiratory, and proximal limb muscles. The disease may remain limited to the ocular muscles. THYMOMA is commonly associated with this condition. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1459) |
| Notes: |
"myasthenia" unqualified in foreign titles is more often MYASTHENIA GRAVIS than MUSCLE WEAKNESS but check text; congen consider MYASTHENIC SYNDROMES, CONGENITAL or specifics |
| Also Called: |
Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized,Myasthenia Gravis, Ocular |
Myasthenia Gravis Categories.
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Myasthenia Gravis, Neonatal - A disorder of neuromuscular transmission that occurs in a minority of newborns born to women with myasthenia gravis. Clinical features are usually present at birth or develop in the first 3 days of life and consist of hypotonia and impaired respiratory, suck, and swallowing abilities. This condition is associated with the passive transfer of acetylcholine receptor antibodies through the placenta. In the majority of infants the myasthenic weakness resolves (i.e., transient neonatal myasthenia gravis) although this disorder may rarely continue beyond the neonatal period (i.e., persistent neonatal myasthenia gravis). (From Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, p823; Neurology 1997 Jan;48(1):50-4) |
Myasthenia Gravis Definitions and Terms
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