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What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscle weakness." It can affect people at any age. It is most common in young women and older men.Acetylcholine is a substance released from the nerve endings binds to the muscle tissue at the nerve-muscle junction, causing the muscle to contract (move). In someone with MG, the body’s own immune system makes antibodies that block the binding of acetylcholine to the muscle.
Diagnosis
After taking medical history and performing a physical examination, tests which may be suggested include:- Antibody blood tests
- Edrophonium test
- Nerve conduction test/repetitive stimulation
- Single fiber electromyography (EMG)
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What is myasthenia gravis?Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscle weakness." It can affect people at any age. It is most common in young women and older men.
2. What are the symptoms?
The cardinal features are weakness and fatigability of muscles. The weakness increases during repeated use (fatigue) or late in the day, and may improve following rest or sleep. Initially, visual disturbances such as double vision, inability to hold a steady gaze and droopy eyelids, fatigue happen later associated with difficulty chewing and swallowing, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, problems walking, slurred speech.
3. What are the causes of myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a problem with the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles. It is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The exact cause of myasthenia gravis is unknown. In some cases, it is linked to tumors of the thymus (an organ of the immune system).
4. How does myasthenia gravis happen?
Acetylcholine is a substance released from the nerve endings binds to the muscle tissue at the nerve-muscle junction, causing the muscle to contract (move). In someone with MG, the body’s own immune system makes antibodies that block the binding of acetylcholine to the muscle.
5. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor when there is severe muscle weakness which gets worse by activity, double vision and drooping eyelids, Facial muscle involvement causing a mask-like appearance; a smile which appears more like a snarl, difficulty in pronouncing words, swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), leg or arm weakness, speaking difficulty (dysarthria) or shortness of breath.