My Group Presentation Was Over Myasthenia Gravis - 1168 Words

My group presentation was over myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular auto-immune disease that is characterized by fatigable weakness in the skeletal muscles. This occurs at the neuromuscular junction, in which acetylcholine that is being released by the pre-synaptic neuron attaches to receptors at the post-synaptic neuron in order to generate a muscle contraction. Basically the body produces antibodies that block, alter, or destroy these receptors thus halting motor neurons from signaling the muscles to contract. It is currently unknown why the body makes these antibodies. There are a multitude of ways of treating MG these include anticholinesterase, steroid, and immunosuppressant medicines. In my paper, I will focus on the most long-term solution of thymectomy by first giving an overview of characteristics of the surgery, then contrasting open thymectomy (trans-sternal and trans-cervical) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and finally focusing on the overall effectiveness of the surgery. First we must define the term thymectomy, why it is needed, who should receive it, and the goals of the surgery. A thymectomy in layman’s terms is the surgical removal of the thymus gland. The thymus plays a major role in immune defense for the human body. As already stated MG is an autoimmune disease in which the body makes antibodies that disrupts the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The thymus gland has been found as the main source ofShow MoreRelatedCase Study on Copd4135 Words   |  17 Pagesto protect the identity of a patient),was admitted over night in my department.He is a divorcee who stays with son.He is a retired teacher and his son is permanently employed by a local company as an electrician.He is independent with activities of daily livings but is occasionally limited by his ill health.He used to be a heavy smoker .After realising the burden COPD has on general New Zealand population ,affecting about15% of the adult population over the age of 45 years according to asthmanz(