National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by a high risk of ptosis when evaluating a patient with neurological deficits?

1. Multiple sclerosis

2. Parkinson's disease

3. Myasthenia gravis

4. Guillain-Barré syndrome

The correct answer is: Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that is notably characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, primarily due to an autoimmune response that interrupts the communication between nerves and muscles. One of the hallmark features of myasthenia gravis is the propensity for ocular symptoms, including ptosis, which is the drooping of one or both eyelids. This condition specifically affects the voluntary muscles. The weakness tends to worsen with activity and improve with rest, which is a significant characteristic of this disorder. In patients with neurological deficits, the presence of ptosis can indicate underlying neuromuscular transmission issues, typical of myasthenia gravis. This condition can lead to varying degrees of muscle weakness, and the extraocular muscles are frequently involved, which directly impacts eyelid position. Therefore, a patient with myasthenia gravis is at a high risk of presenting with ptosis. While multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome can involve neurological deficits, they are less specifically associated with ptosis as a prominent feature compared to myasthenia gravis. Parkinson's disease typically involves bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability, and while it can lead to issues with eyelid function, it does not generally present with pt