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Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

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Related Experiment Video

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Subcutaneous Neurotrophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles
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Myasthenia gravis in the elderly.

Mark A Hellmann1, Ronit Mosberg-Galili, Israel Steiner

  • 1Department of Neurology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tiqva, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Myasthenia gravis (MG) onset in the elderly is common, particularly in males. Older patients with MG have lower acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titers, respond well to treatment, and have a good prognosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
  • Understanding clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic factors in elderly MG patients is crucial for optimizing care.

Observation:

  • A study reviewed 137 MG patient files from a neuro-immunology clinic.
  • Elderly onset (age > 69) was observed in 29 patients.
  • Older male patients showed a significant predominance compared to younger cohorts.

Findings:

  • Elderly MG patients presented similarly to younger ones but had less thymic pathology.
  • Lower acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titers were noted in older individuals.
  • Older patients demonstrated a better response to therapy and a favorable prognosis.

Implications:

  • MG onset in the elderly is not rare and warrants specific clinical consideration.
  • The findings suggest a distinct clinical profile for late-onset MG.
  • Therapeutic strategies and prognostic expectations should be tailored for elderly MG patients.