Abstract

The three main components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) include the presynaptic region, the synaptic cleft, and the postsynaptic region. The NMJ acts as an interface between the motor nerve and muscle by converting the motor nerve electric currents into chemical signals and then back into electric currents in the muscle. This chapter reviews electrodiagnostic testing in NMJ disorders, including repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fiber electromyography. Myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, botulism, and organophosphate poisoning and other toxins are discussed, including epidemiology, etiology/genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management, complications, and prognosis. Tables include an overview of neuromuscular disorders, drugs with adverse effects on the NMJ, common immunomodulatory agents used for treatment of myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, and toxins and venoms. Figures illustrate the NMJ structure and function, structure of the presynaptic and postsynaptic regions, electrodiagnostic studies in NMJ disorders, and dysfunction of the NMJ in acetylcholine receptor myasthenia gravis. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 65 references.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.