- Discussion:
- most common neuromuscular junction defect;
- results from damage to postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor sites;
- more common in young women & older adults of both sexes;
- diff dx:
- myathenic syndrome:
- ALS
- Clinical Findings:
- fluctuating weakness of muscle, made worse by exercise;
- usually first involves extraocular muscles and muscles of the eyelids;
- it progresses to involve any muscle group in body;
- muscle bulk and reflexes are generally spared until late in disease;
- heat may worsen symptoms;
- Treatment:
- anticholinesterase medications
- corticosteroids
- immunosuppressant drugs
- plasmapheresis
- thymectomy