About this episode
Dr Roger Henderson explores the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of myasthenia gravis.
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores the pathophysiology, clinical features and management of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. It highlights how antibodies, most commonly against acetylcholine receptors, impair neuromuscular transmission, leading to fatigable weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The discussion emphasises key clinical presentations, including ocular, bulbar and proximal limb weakness, alongside the risk of life-threatening myasthenic crisis. Diagnostic approaches are reviewed, focusing on antibody testing and electrophysiological studies. Management strategies include symptomatic treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppression and thymectomy in selected patients. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB /podcasts/neurology/ep-208-myasthenia-gravis . Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more .
People in this episode
Host: Dr Roger Henderson
Topics covered
- myasthenia gravis
- autoimmune disorder
- neuromuscular junction
- clinical features
- management strategies
- diagnostic approaches
Keywords
- myasthenia gravis
- neuromuscular transmission
- fatigable weakness
- antibody testing
- electrophysiological studies
- acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- immunosuppression
- thymectomy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: GPnotebook
Books & works: myasthenia gravis
More episodes of GPnotebook Podcast
- Ep 210 – Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease · June 11, 2026 · 18 min
- Ep 209 – Anabolic steroid misuse · June 4, 2026 · 17 min
- Ep 207 – Transient ischaemic attack · May 21, 2026 · 19 min
- Ep 206 – Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy · May 14, 2026 · 15 min
- Ep 205 – Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and hepatitis · May 7, 2026 · 25 min
- Ep 204 – Red legs · April 30, 2026 · 26 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the GPnotebook Podcast podcast page.