Episode 40. Skirmish - Myasthenia Gravis and Its Belligerent Antibodies

In this episode I explore the autoimmune neurological disorder, myasthenia gravis. I review its classical manifestations as ocular and generalised myasthenia, and I highlight its complications such as refractory myasthenia and myasthenic crisis.

The podcast also discusses the pathogenesis and triggers of the disease, its various mimics, and its indispensable investigations. I also review its treatments which include acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, steroids, immunosuppressants, IVIg and plasma exchange.

I complement the podcast with historical anecdotes regarding the discoveries, frequently serendipitous, of the various treatments of myasthenia gravis. This narrative includes such stories as Mary Walker’s miracle of Alfege’s, the dream insight of Otto Loewi, the mystery of the headless torso in the Thames, and the role played by the ...