ASTHENIA: A MASK FOR MANY IDENTITIES. THE ROLE OF DYSFUNCTION OF THE NEUROMUSCOLAR JUNCTION

Abstract Several neuropathological conditions may underlie an acute or chronic, focal or diffuse, condition of fatigue and muscle weakness,. The pathology of the neuromuscular junction is an example of this polymorphism in clinical and neuropathological pictures, as well as two diseases (myasthenia gravis and myasthenic syndrome) with very different etiology, symptoms and treatment, which must be well recognized for a suitable treatment. This brief review describes the myasthenia and myasthenic syndrome, outlining the similarities and differences in terms of etiology, symptoms, signs, diagnostic procedures, treatment options and prognosis.