Myasthenia Gravis

Today, in this article, we will be talking about the Myasthenia gravis, the definition of Myasthenia gravis, symptoms of Myasthenia gravis and more. Make sure you stick by us till the end. So, without any further ado, let’s dive directly into it! 

What is Myasthenia Gravis? 

Derived from the Latin word “myasthenia gravis”, it means “grave muscle weakness.” Myasthenia gravis can be defined as a chronic neuromuscular disorder that ultimately leads to fatigue and muscle weakness. This disease is characterized based on the degree of skeletal muscle weakness. The major reason behind the occurrence of this disorder is the antibodies circulation that ultimately blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction. Apart from this, another reason for the occurrence of this neuromuscular disorder is due to genetic effects. 

Signs and Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

One of the major signs or symptoms that point towards the occurrence of the Myasthenia gravis is the weakness of the skeleton muscles, which are one of the most critical muscles in the human body. Since muscles fail to respond to the nerve impulse, they do not contract; hence, communication gets blocked between the muscles and nerves. 

Some of the most common symptoms of the Myasthenia gravis are as follows- 

• Difficulty in chewing and swallowing 
• Difficulty in walking stairs and lifting objects 
• Facing regular problems in breathing because of weak muscles 
• Hoarse voice.
• Drooping of eyelids.
• Double vision
• Difficulty in talking.

Although this condition affects many muscles in the human body. However, there are specific muscles that are majorly affected. These include-

The eye muscles 

• Drooping of one or both eyelids
• Double vision 

Throat and face muscles 

• Difficulty swallowing.
• Altered speaking.
• Altered speaking.
• Problems in chewing.

Causes of Myasthenia Gravis

The major reason behind the development of the Myasthenia gravis is the defect in the regular communication between the muscles and the nerve impulse. Suppose there is any malfunction in the pathway that interrupts the normal communication between the muscles and the nerves at the neuromuscular junction. In that case, it leads to the condition of Myasthenia gravis. The neuromuscular junction can be defined as the nerves and the muscles get connected. 

Another reason for this neuromuscular disease is the defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. In this case, the neuromuscular junction surely gets affected. Acetylcholine is an organic chemical responsible for producing contractions in normal circumstances. In case Myasthenia gravis occurs, the contractions are no longer produced. 

If  pregnant women have Myasthenia gravis-

For women who are pregnant and already have MG, in a third of cases, they have been known to experience an exacerbation of their symptoms and in those cases, it usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms in pregnant mothers tend to improve during the second and third trimesters. Complete remission can occur in some mothers. Immunosuppressive therapy should be maintained throughout pregnancy, as this reduces the chance of neonatal muscle weakness and controls the mother’s myasthenia.

About 10–20% of infants with mothers affected by the condition are born with transient neonatal myasthenia (TNM), which generally produces feeding and respiratory difficulties that develop about 12 hours to several days after birth. A child with TNM typically responds very well to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the condition generally resolves over a period of three weeks, as the antibodies diminish and generally do not result in any complications. Very rarely, an infant can be born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, secondary to profound intrauterine weakness. This is due to maternal antibodies that target an infant’s acetylcholine receptors. In some cases, the mother remains asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis

As already mentioned, Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune long-lasting health disorder that majorly leads to the weakening of muscles. Since its symptoms vary from person to person and they get worse as time passes, it is exceptionally difficult to analyze whether you’re suffering from this condition or not. 

In case a person experiences apparent symptoms or infectious diseases, they are recommended to healthcare professionals based on the prevailing symptoms and medical history of the particular individual. To confirm the condition, the person goes through a physical examination and several tests such as the blood test, CT scan, electromyography, MRI scan, nerve stimulation, a few neurological tests, edrophonium test etc . 

Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis 

In case there are variations in certain genes, it might lead to Myasthenia gravis. This neuromuscular disorder occurs if there is a specific problem in the immune system, and it shows direct effects on the human body’s tissues. 

Note, until today, no cure has been detected for the Myasthenia gravis, however, the goal of the treatment is to avoid future complications and manage the emerging symptoms by providing necessary medication and healthcare support. Some of the ways through which the doctors help to prevent future damages are as follows- 

• Plasma Exchange.
• Thymus Gland Removal.
• Avoid heat exposure and stress 
• Intravenous Immune Globulin.
• Minimize muscle weakness.
• Lifestyle Changes.
• Medications 

Conclusion 

Now, when you have understood everything about the Myasthenia gravis, symptoms of Myasthenia gravis, prevention of Myasthenia gravis, and other important topics related to the same, you might have also understood the complexities involved. 

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