A 22-year-old female college student is shocked to receive a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. What are the etiology and most likely treatment for her health problem?
A)Autoimmune destruction of skeletal muscle cells; treatment with intensive physical therapy and anabolic steroids
B)A decline in functioning acetylcholine receptors; treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins
C)Cerebellar lesions; surgical and immunosuppressive treatment
D)Excess acetylcholinesterase production; treatment with thymectomy

Question

A 22-year-old female college student is shocked to receive a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. What are the etiology and most likely treatment for her health problem? 
A)Autoimmune destruction of skeletal muscle cells; treatment with intensive physical therapy and anabolic steroids
B)A decline in functioning acetylcholine receptors; treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins
C)Cerebellar lesions; surgical and immunosuppressive treatment
D)Excess acetylcholinesterase production; treatment with thymectomy

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The etiology of myasthenia gravis involves a deficiency of acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions. Treatment can include corticosteroid therapy and intravenous immunoglobulins. Destruction of skeletal muscle cells, cerebellar lesions, and excess acetylcholinesterase are not noted to underlie the disease.

A 22-Year-Old Female College Student Is Shocked to Receive a Diagnosis