Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a long term neuromuscular disease that leads to varying degrees

of muscle weakness.[1] The most commonly affected muscles are those of the eyes, face, and
swallowing. It can result in double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble talking, and trouble walking.
Onset can be sudden. Those affected often have a large thymus gland or develop a thymoma.[1]
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease which results from antibodies that block acetylcholine
receptors at the junction between the nerve and muscle. This prevents nerve impulses from
triggering muscle contractions.[1] Rarely an inherited genetic defect in the neuromuscular
junction results in a similar condition known as congenital myasthenia.[2][3] Babies of mothers with
myasthenia may have symptoms during their first few months of life, known as neonatal myasthenia.
Diagnosis can be supported by blood tests for specific antibodies, the edrophonium test, or nerve
conduction studies.[1]
Myasthenia gravis is generally treated with medications known as acetylcholinesterase
inhibitors such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine. Immunosuppressants, such
as prednisone or azathioprine, may also be used. The surgical removal of the thymus gland may
improve symptoms in certain cases. Plasmapheresis and high dose intravenous
immunoglobulin may be used during sudden flares of the condition. If the breathing muscles become
significantly weak, mechanical ventilation may be required.[1]
Myasthenia gravis affects 50 to 200 per million people.[4][5] It is newly diagnosed in 3 to 30 per million
people each year.[6] Diagnosis is becoming more common due to increased awareness.[6] It most
commonly occurs in women under the age of 40 and in men over the age of 60. It is uncommon in
children. With treatment most of those affected lead relatively normal lives and have a normal life
expectancy.[1] The word is from the Greek μύς "muscle" and asthenia "weakness", and
the Latin: gravis "serious".[7]

Milk Of Magnesia
GENERIC NAME(S): Magnesium Hydroxide
Uses
This medication is used for a short time to treat occasional constipation. It is
a laxative (osmotic-type) that is thought to work by drawing water into the intestines, an
effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines.

This medication is also used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid such
as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. It is an antacid that works by lowering the
amount of acid in the stomach.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form
pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body in both health and disease. MRI
scanners use strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and field gradients to generate images of the
inside of the body.
MRI is based upon the science of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Certain atomic nuclei can
absorb and emit radio frequencyenergy when placed in an external magnetic field. In clinical and
research MRI, hydrogen atoms are most-often used to generate a detectable radio-frequency signal
that is received by antennas in close proximity to the anatomy being examined. Hydrogen atoms
exist naturally in people and other biological organisms in abundance, particularly in water and fat.
For this reason, most MRI scans essentially map the location of water and fat in the body. Pulses of
radio waves excite the nuclear spin energy transition, and magnetic field gradients localize the signal
in space. By varying the parameters of the pulse sequence, different contrasts can be generated
between tissues based on the relaxation properties of the hydrogen atoms therein. Since its early
development in the 1970s and 1980s, MRI has proven to be a highly versatile imaging technique.
While MRI is most prominently used in diagnostic medicine and biomedical research, it can also be
used to form images of non-living objects. MRI scans are capable of producing a variety
of chemical and physical data, in addition to detailed spatial images.

Methotrexate (Anti-Rheumatic)
GENERIC NAME(S): METHOTREXATE SODIUM
526

Uses
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis
or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used
to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known
as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and
suppressing the immune system.

Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as

methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

BRANDS: Rheumatrex, Trexall. DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Methotrexate is classified

as an antimetabolite drug which means it is capable of blocking the metabolism of cells.

Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or NONINSULIN-DEPENDENT

DIABETES, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar
(glucose), your body's important source of fuel.

With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that
regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to
maintain a normal glucose level.
A NASOGASTRIC TUBE is a narrow bore tube passed into the stomach via the nose. It is used for
short- or medium-term nutritional support, and also for aspiration of stomach contents - eg, for
decompression of intestinal obstruction.[1]

A wide bore tube is used if drainage is needed; otherwise, a finer bore tube is used. Fine bore
feeding tubes (gauge less than 9) cause less discomfort and less risk of rhinitis, pharyngitis or
oesophageal erosion.

The use of a nasogastric tube is suitable for enteral feeding for up to six weeks. Polyurethane or
silicone feeding tubes are unaffected by gastric acid and can therefore remain in the stomach for a
longer period than PVC tubes, which can only be used for up to two weeks. For long-term enteral
feeding, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is associated with improved
survival, better toleration by the patient and lower incidence of aspiration.[2]

NKA

Type: Abbreviation

Definitions:
1. Abbreviation for no known allergies.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is a class of analgesic medication that reduces pain, fever and
inflammation. Since most episodes of back pain involve inflammation, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and
naproxen are often an effective treatment option.

NSAIDs are cleared from the blood stream by the kidney; thus, precautions should be taken to avoid kidney
damage and disease when NSAIDs are taken over an extended period. Side effects of NSAIDs include
stomach ulcers and kidney and platelet dysfunction.

NSAID: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a medication that is commonly prescribed or purchased

over the counter to treat the inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis,
and bursitis. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, indomethacin (brand name:
Indocin), ibuprofen (brand name: Motrin), naproxen (brand name: Naprosyn), piroxicam (brand
name: Feldene), and nabumetone (brand name: Relafen). People who take certain NSAIDs may
have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these
medications.

Nitroglycerin
Pronunciation

Generic Name: nitroglycerin (NYE-troe-GLIS-er-in)

Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Nitroglycerin is used for:

Treating high blood pressure during surgery, controlling congestive heart failure
associated with heart attack, treating chest pain in certain patients, and lowering blood
pressure during surgery.

Nitroglycerin is a nitrate. It works by relaxing (widening) blood vessels. Chest pain

occurs when the heart needs more oxygen than it can get. Relaxing blood vessels
allows blood to flow more easily. This reduces the heart's workload and the amount of
oxygen needed by the heart.