neuromuscular junction disorders

Last reviewed 01/2018

The pathological defect in neuromuscular junction disorders may be:

  • presynaptic:
    • Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome
    • botulism

  • postsynaptic:
    • myasthenia gravis

Neuromuscular junction disorders are characterised by:

  • weakness:
    • usually proximal muscles more than distal muscles
    • involvement of extraocular muscles suggests myasthenia gravis

  • intact sensory function

  • involvement of the autonomic system:
    • only in the presynaptic disorders
    • causes e.g. dry mouth