Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles and excessive fatigue. It is developed by an abnormal immune response. The function of muscles and nerves are affected by this disease. Weakness of voluntary muscles felt improve by taking rest. It may cause swallowing, chewing, breathing and difficulties with speech. It is commonly found in young women and old aged men. It is affected three out of every ten thousands people in U.S.

Causes of myasthenia gravis:

The acetylcholine chemical passes nerve impulses to the muscles in case of normal functions of nervous system. At neuromuscular junctions, nerve impulse received by the receptor sites and give signal your muscles to contract.

The main cause of this disorder is abnormal immune system. The breakdown in communication between muscles and nerves is found in the disorder. It can be caused immune system to make antibodies. These can be destroyed the receptor sites. Weakness is developing by fewer nerve signals received by the muscles. Antibodies can be maintained by the thymus gland which is a part of immune system. The thymus gland is abnormally enlarged in case on adults with this disorder. Sometimes cold, stress, infection and other medications can worse this disorder.

Signs and symptoms:

It can affect voluntary muscles in your body. Certain muscles including those of the eyes, face, legs and arms are mostly affected by this disorder.

Other sign and symptoms:

• Problems in vision such as double vision
• Weakness of muscles in legs and arms
• Weakness of muscles including those of the face
• Difficulty in talking, swallowing, breathing and chewing
• Excessive fatigue

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis:

Edrophonium test: In this test, injection of edrophonium can be used to detect this disorder. When edrophonium chemical destroy an enzyme, acetylcholine chemical passes signals from nerve to muscle receptor sites can be broken down.

Blood test: A blood test will be recommended by the doctor to diagnose the disease. Presence of abnormal antibodies can be found by blood analysis. These antibodies may disrupt the receptor sites.

Neurological examination: Muscle strength, senses of touch, reflexes, gait, mental skills, and posture or muscle tone can be examined by this test. This test is very effective to diagnose myasthenia gravis.

Single-fiber electromyography and nerve condition studies: In this test, apply small amount of electrical impulse to the skin and then electrode needle is inserted into muscles. This procedure may help to measure electrical activity in voluntary muscles.

Treatment:

Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the thymus gland. People with myasthenia gravis may felt relief from the symptoms. Surgery will be recommended in case of old aged patient.

Medications: Communication between muscles and nerves can be enhanced by cholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine. Improvement of muscles strength and muscle contraction can be done by these drugs. Use of corticosteroids for short term can reduce the symptoms of this disorder. There are side effects such as weight gain, infections, bone thinning etc. in case of prolonged use of corticosteroids. Other medications such as cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide and azathioprine can be prescribed by the health care providers.

Intravenous immune globulin: This therapy may help to provide normal antibodies. This therapy is effective and an expensive to treat this disorder. There is less side effects of this therapy. Sometimes physical therapy and occupational therapy will be recommended by the doctor to treat myasthenia gravis.

Prevention:

• You can eat soft foods, fresh fruits and vegetables.

• You should use electric appliances such as can openers, toothbrushes and power tools to save energy.

• You should wear an eye patch to avoid eyestrain.

• You should avoid the emotional stress.

• You can use safety precautions at your home.