Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

In which condition does facial muscle involvement typically occur alongside proximal limb weakness?

1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2. Myasthenia gravis

3. Spinal muscular atrophy

4. Guillain-Barre syndrome

The correct answer is: Myasthenia gravis

Facial muscle involvement alongside proximal limb weakness is characteristic of myasthenia gravis. This autoimmune condition affects the transmission of signals between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and weakness. In myasthenia gravis, weakness typically presents in a fluctuating pattern, with ocular symptoms such as ptosis frequently occurring alongside generalized weakness, which can also include proximal limb muscles. While amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Guillain-Barre syndrome involve muscle weakness, the specific combination of facial muscle weakness and proximal limb weakness is more distinctly associated with myasthenia gravis due to its impact on the neuromuscular junction.