Neuromuscular Autoimmune Diseases and Respiratory Impact

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to neuromuscular autoimmune diseases, their effects, diagnoses, and treatments important for respiratory therapists.

Myasthenia Gravis

An incurable neuromuscular autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness.

Thymus Gland

Part of the immune system that makes T cells or white blood cells, associated with Myasthenia Gravis.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that binds to nicotinic receptors on muscles to facilitate movement.

Nicotinic Receptors

The locks on muscles that receive signals from nerves for muscle activation.

Crisis

A life-threatening condition in Myasthenia Gravis where respiratory failure can occur due to muscle weakness.

Distress vs. Failure

Distress is difficulty breathing; failure is the complete stop of breathing.

Tensilon Test

A diagnostic test for Myasthenia Gravis where an injection improves muscle strength temporarily.

Gullain-Barre Syndrome

A rare inflammatory disorder where the immune system attacks the protective coating of peripheral nerves.

Electromyography

A test involving electrodes inserted into muscles to measure nerve activity.

Antibody Removal

A treatment method where antibodies from blood are separated and treated before being returned to the patient.

Respiratory Failure

A condition in which the body cannot get enough oxygen due to neuromuscular diseases.

Myasthenia Gravis

An incurable neuromuscular autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness.

Thymus Gland

Part of the immune system that makes T cells or white blood cells, associated with Myasthenia Gravis.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that binds to nicotinic receptors on muscles to facilitate movement.

Nicotinic Receptors

The locks on muscles that receive signals from nerves for muscle activation.

Crisis

A life-threatening condition in Myasthenia Gravis where respiratory failure can occur due to muscle weakness.

Distress vs. Failure

Distress is difficulty breathing; failure is the complete stop of breathing.

Tensilon Test

A diagnostic test for Myasthenia Gravis where an injection improves muscle strength temporarily.

Gullain-Barre Syndrome

A rare inflammatory disorder where the immune system attacks the protective coating of peripheral nerves.

Electromyography

A test involving electrodes inserted into muscles to measure nerve activity.

Antibody Removal

A treatment method where antibodies from blood are separated and treated before being returned to the patient.

Respiratory Failure

A condition in which the body cannot get enough oxygen due to neuromuscular diseases.

How do antibodies cause Myasthenia Gravis?

Antibodies mistakenly attack and destroy or block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the muscle, preventing acetylcholine from binding and signaling muscle contraction.

What are common initial symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Common initial symptoms include drooping eyelids (ptosis), double vision (diplopia), and generalized muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Besides antibody removal, what are other treatment approaches for Myasthenia Gravis?

Other treatments include anticholinesterase medications (e.g., pyridostigmine), immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine), and thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus gland).

What is the primary impact of Myasthenia Gravis on muscle contraction?

Myasthenia Gravis reduces the number of functional acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to a diminished ability of nerve impulses to trigger muscle contraction.