Specific Care for the Patient with Myasthenia Gravis
Contributing Factors
• Only voluntary muscles
• Developmental:
o Occurs mor in women
o Onset between 20-40 years of age
• Physiological:
o Autoimmune disorder
o Thymus gland site of antibody production
▪ Can get a thymectomy
Clinical Manifestations
• Ocular
o Diplopia – double vision
o Ptosis – Droopy eye
• Facial
o Weakness
o Dysphagia
o Dysarthria
• Musculoskeletal
o Fatigue
o Generalized weakness
• Respiratory
o Weak intercostal muscles cause decreased vital capacity
o Dyspnea
o Respiratory failure
• Nutrition
o Aspiration
o Inability to chew/swallow/move tongue
o Malnutrition
o Dehydration
• Myasthenic “Crisis”
o Severe exacerbation of adaptations
Diagnostic Tests
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor test
o Tensilon Test → will determine if the patient has MS
o Do not give during crisis
• Acetylcholine receptor antibody serum level
• MRI – Thymus gland
• EMG – can test muscles for deterioration
