Reference no: EM132389276
Case study Question
A 32-year-old woman presents with complaints of "drooping eyelids," difficulty chewing and swallowing, and weakness of her arms and legs that is less severe in the morning but becomes worse as the day progresses. She complains that climbing stairs and lifting objects are becoming increasingly difficult. Clinical examination confirms weakness of the eyelid and jaw muscles. She is told that she may have myasthenia gravis and is scheduled for testing using the short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor edrophonium (Tensilon).
a. Explain the pathogenesis of this woman's symptoms of this woman's symptoms as it relates to myasthenia gravis.
b. Explain how information from the Tensilon administration can be used to assist in the diagnosis of the disorder.
2. A 20-year-old man suffered spinal cord injury at the C2 to C3 level as the result of a motorcycle accident.
a. Explain the effects of this man's injury on ventilation and communication, sensorimotor function, autonomic nervous system function, bowel, bladder, and sexual function, and temperature regulation.
b. Autonomic dysreflexia, which is a threat to persons with spinal cord injuries at the T6 level or above, is manifested by hypertension, often to extreme levels, and bradycardia, constriction of skin vessels below the level of injury, and severe headache and nasal stuffiness. Explain the origin of the elevated blood pressure and bradycardia.