Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is myasthenia gravis. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how myasthenia gravis will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each condition has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for myasthenia gravis.
- Weakness of the muscles
- Ocular issues: drooping eyelids, double vision
- Respiratory issues: can sometimes become quite serious/life threatening
- Symptoms worsen with use: weakness/other symptoms are worse at the end of the day or with repeated use
- Thymoma: chest mass on imaging.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
Explanation # 1
Question # 2
Explanation # 2
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS CONDITION (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying condition. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the disease’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
- Cause: Auto-antibodies that are formed against the acetylcholine receptor.
- Type of autoimmune condition: type II hypersensitivity reaction
- Treatment: anticholinesterases (Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine)
- Complications: thymoma is common in this condition (and may be the source of the auto-antibodies)
Page Updated: 04.17.2017