Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis is a long-term neuromuscular disease that leads to varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. The most commonly affected muscles are those of the eyes, face, and swallowing. It can result in double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble talking, and trouble walking. Onset can be sudden. Those affected often have a large thymus or develop a thymoma.

Symptoms and signs

The weakness affects muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.

Causes

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease which results from antibodies that block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the junction between the nerve and muscle. This prevents nerve impulses from triggering muscle contractions. Rarely, an inherited genetic defect in a specific gene can result in this condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be supported by blood tests for specific antibodies, the edrophonium test, or nerve conduction studies. The disease may be limited to the ocular muscles (ocular myasthenia), but in most cases, other muscles become affected.

Treatment

Treatment includes medication to improve muscle strength, surgery to remove the thymus gland, and periodic plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin. With treatment, most individuals with myasthenia can significantly improve their muscle weakness and lead full lives. Rarely, emergency medical intervention is required for respiratory failure in a crisis.

Epidemiology

Myasthenia gravis occurs in all ethnic groups and both genders. It most commonly affects women under 40 and people from 50 to 70 years old of both sexes, but it can occur at any age.

See also

• Neuromuscular disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Thymoma

External links

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet

Myasthenia Gravis Resources
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