CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS |

TREATMENT

Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder primarilycharacterized by muscle weakness and muscle fatigue.Although the disorder usually becomes apparent duringadulthood, symptom onset may occur at any age.

The condition may be restricted to certain muscle groups,particularly those of the eyes (ocular myasthenia gravis), ormay become more generalized (generalized myastheniagravis), involving multiple muscle groups.

Most individuals with myasthenia gravis develop weaknessand drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) weakness of eyemuscles, resulting in double vision (diplopia) and excessivemuscle fatigue following activity.

Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that isusually caused by an autoimmune problem.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune systemmistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

In this condition, antibodies (proteins which normallyattack foreign, harmful substances in the body) attack theneurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine, which is acrucial substance for nerve cell and musclecommunication.

This results in the muscle weakness that characterizes thecondition. The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction isunclear to the doctors.

Symptoms may include: Trouble talking Problems walking up stairs or lifting objects Facial paralysis Difficulty breathing because of muscle weakness Difficulty swallowing or chewing Fatigue Hoarse voice Drooping of eyelid Double vision

Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, as wellas take a detailed history of symptoms. He or she will also doa neurological exam. This may consist of:Checking your reflexes

Looking for muscle weakness Checking for muscle tone Making certain your eyes move properly Testing sensation in different areas of your body Seeing if you can perform certain movements, like

touching your finger to your nose

Other tests that can help your doctor diagnose the conditioninclude: Repetitive nerve stimulation test Blood testing for antibodies associated with Myasthenia

Gravis Edrophonium (Tensilon) test: a drug called Tensilon (or a

placebo) is injected, and the patient is asked to performmuscle movements under doctor observation

Imaging of the chest, using CT scans or MRI, to rule out atumour

Common treatments for myasthenia gravis include: Medications such as Mestinon (pyridostigmine bromide)

and Prostigmin (neostigmine bromide) Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone Medications that suppress the immune system, such as

Imuran (azathioprine) and cyclosporine Removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy), the main gland

in the immune system Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), in which the person's

blood plasma containing the abnormal antibodies isremoved and fresh plasma is put back

Myasthenia gravis cannot be prevented, but avoiding thefollowing triggers may help patients prevent exacerbation: Emotional stress Exposure to extreme temperatures Fever Illness (e.g., respiratory infection, pneumonia, tooth

abscess) Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia; caused

by diuretics, frequent vomiting) Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants,

certain antibiotics) Overexertion