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Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular condition that causes tiredness and muscle weakening. It happens when the connection between neurons and muscles is disturbed due to an autoimmune response, destroying receptors on muscle cells that receive nerve impulses. This reduces the muscles’ capacity to contract, resulting in weakness. MG can affect any muscle, but the muscles that regulate eye movement, facial expression, eating, swallowing, and breathing.

Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms

MG symptoms vary widely between people, depending on which muscles are affected and to what extent. Typical symptoms include:
  • Muscle Weakness that Becomes Worse with Exertion and Gets Better with Rest
  • Sagging Eyelids (PTOSIS)
  • Dual Vision (Diplopia)
  • Speaking, Chewing, and Swallowing Difficulties
  • Arm, Hand, And Finger Weakness, and Leg and Neck Weakness
  • Breathing Difficulties and Respiratory Discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulties Raising Items or Holding them Above the Head Facial Muscular Weakness, Causing Difficulties Smiling, Frowning, or Displaying Facial Expressions

Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

The symptoms of MG might be confused with those of other neuromuscular illnesses, making diagnosis difficult. A thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging investigations, and electrodiagnostic testing are required to diagnose MG. Blood testing can identify antibodies that assault the neuromuscular junction, and imaging tests like CT or MRI can rule out other underlying disorders. Electrodiagnostic testing, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction investigations, can assess nerve and muscle function.

Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

Although there is no cure for MG, there are therapies that can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. The therapy objective is to build muscular strength while decreasing the intensity and frequency of symptoms. Among the treatment possibilities are:
Medications: Anticholinesterase medicines such as pyridostigmine can enhance muscular strength by improving nerve-muscle communication. Immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil can diminish immune system activity and decrease antibody production that attacks the neuromuscular junction.
Plasmapheresis removes plasma from the blood and replacement with donor plasma or a plasma substitute. It can be beneficial in lowering the number of antibodies circulating in the market.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy involves injecting immunoglobulin, a protein that aids in the fight against infection, into the circulation. It can also assist in suppressing immune system activity and the development of antibodies that assault the neuromuscular junction.
Thymectomy: This surgical operation removes the thymus gland, which is responsible for producing antibodies that assault the neuromuscular junction. Thymectomy can help improve muscular strength and reduce the need for medicines.

Suffering Myasthenia Gravis?

Living with MG is difficult, but there are strategies to manage the symptoms and maintain a high quality of life. Some suggestions for dealing with MG include the following:
Energy Conservation may be accomplished by resting often and avoiding tasks that demand extended muscular usage.
Eating a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet will assist in promoting muscular function and maintain a healthy weight.
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