Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis Causes
The symptoms of the disease particularly weakness is caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction, restraining the stimulative effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Myasthenia gravis Definition
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, a neuromuscular disease that can lead to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The name is coined from Greek and Latin terms, which literally means serious muscle weakness.
Myasthenia gravis Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose MG since the symptoms can be subtle and hard to distinguish from both normal variants and other neurological disorders. Easy fatiguability can be revealed though a thorough physical examination. A suspected diagnosis may require a serology in a blood test. This will help identify antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor.
Myasthenia gravis Symptoms and Signs
Muscle weakness is the trait of myasthenia gravis, which is known to increase during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Other muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, talking, chewing and swallowing are also susceptible.
Myasthenia gravis Treatment
Medication or surgery is the known treatments for myasthenia gravis. Cholinesterase inhibitors are medications that directly improve muscle function. Immunosuppressant drugs can also reduce the autoimmune process. Surgical methods such as thymectomy are performed to treat MG. Emergency treatments include plasmapheresis or IVIG, this may be done as a temporary measure to eliminate antibodies from the blood circulation.
Drugs used for treatment of Myasthenia gravis
Azathioprine
Mestinon