Neuroscience/Disorders of neuromuscular transmission

Objectives

When presented with a history and the results of a physical examination students will be able to recognize myasthenia gravis, and will be able to distinguish it from other disorders which may present in a similar manner, including the myasthenic syndrome (Lambert-Eaton), and other disorders of muscle.
When asked students will be able to describe the pathogenesis of MG with specific reference to:
1. normal and abnormal neuromuscular transmission
2. acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine receptors
3. the role of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor
4. the role of the thymus
When presented with a patient with a history of physical findings of myasthenia gravis students will be able to list the diagnostic tests useful in confirming the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, and to have an appreciation for their specificity and sensitivity.