Normal ACh receptor site ACh receptor site in myasthenia gravis
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Autoimmune disorder with acute attack of peripheral nerve myelin
- Rapid demyelination may produce respiratory failure and autonomic nervous system
dysfunction with CV instability
- Most often follows a viral infection
- Manifestations are variable and may include weakness, paralysis, paresthesias, pain,
and diminished or absent reflexes starting with the lower extremities and progressing
upward; tachycardia; bradycardia; hypertension; or
- Medical management
- Requires intensive care management with continuous monitoring and respiratory
support
- Plasmapheresis used to reduce circulating antibodies
- Recovery rates vary, but most patients recover completely
Bell’s Palsy
- Facial paralysis due to unilateral inflammation of the 7th cranial nerve
- Manifestations—unilateral facial muscle weakness or paralysis with facial distortion,
increased lacrimation, and painful sensations in the face, may have difficulty with
speech and eating