Question

A variety of neuromuscular diseases cause symptoms of fatigue and muscular weakness. Bilateral weakness of all four limbs is usually due to a myopathy, a neuropathy, or a neuromuscular junction disorder. What is the most common neuromuscular junction disorder involving autoantibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptor on the post-synaptic membrane?

Guillain-Barré syndrome
Optic neuritis
Myasthenia gravis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Henoch-Schoenlein purpura

Answer 1

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common neuromuscular junction disorder involving autoantibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptor on the post-synaptic membrane is myasthenia gravis. This autoimmune disorder leads to progressive muscle weakness and fatigue as the body's immune system inappropriately targets and obstructs acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, disrupting normal muscle contraction.

Myasthenia gravis exhibits varying symptoms, often starting with painless muscle weakness, especially around the eyes, before progressing to more generalized muscle involvement. This condition is more prevalent in women and most frequently manifests between the ages of 20 and 40. Treatments are aimed at counteracting the effects of the antibodies or suppressing the immune response. Since it is an autoimmune disease, various stressors may trigger a myasthenia gravis crisis, potentially impacting respiratory muscles and necessitating emergency care.

As the disease advances, issues with swallowing, chewing, and speech can arise. Furthermore, diagnostic tools like blood tests for creatine kinase levels and electromyography help ascertain the presence and progression of myopathic disorders such as myasthenia gravis.