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It comes from the Latin word “myasthenia gravis,” meaning “severe muscle weakness.” Myasthenia gravis can be described as a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes fatigue and muscle weakness. The disease is characterized by a degree of skeletal muscle weakness. A major cause of this disorder is the circulatory system that eventually blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in place of postsynaptic neuromuscular junctions. Apart from this, another reason for the emergence of this neuromuscular disease is due to genetic effects.
Signs and Symbols of Myasthenia Gravis
One of the major signs or symptoms indicating the occurrence of Myasthenia gravis is the weakness of the skeletal muscle, which is one of the most important muscles in the human body. As the muscles fail to respond to nerve pressure, they do not reach; therefore, communication is blocked between tissues and nerves.
Some of the most common symptoms of Myasthenia gravis are the following:
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty walking up and downstairs
- Dealing with common respiratory problems due to weak muscles
- A hoarse voice
- Falling eyelids
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking
Although this condition affects many muscles in the human body, however, there are some muscles that are most affected. This includes –
Eye muscles
- Fall of one or both eyelids
- Double vision
Throat and facial muscles
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Changed speech.
- Changed speech.
- Problems with chewing.
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis
The main reason for the development of Myasthenia gravis is impairment in the normal communication between muscles and nerve pressure. Suppose there is an abnormality in the pathway that interferes with normal communication between the tissues and nerves in the neuromuscular junction. If so, it leads to the state of Myasthenia gravis. A neuromuscular junction can be defined as the nerves and muscles connected.
Another cause of this neuromuscular disorder is a paralysis of the transmission of nerve impulses in the muscles. In this case, the neuromuscular junction is affected. Acetylcholine is a living chemical that is responsible for producing access to normal conditions. In the case of Myasthenia gravis, access is no longer produced.
If pregnant women have Myasthenia gravis
In women who are pregnant and already have MG, in a third of cases, they have been known to experience an increase in their symptoms. And in those cases, it usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms in pregnant women are usually better in the second and third trimesters. Complete forgiveness is possible for some mothers. Immunosuppressive therapy should be maintained throughout pregnancy, as this reduces the risk of fetal muscle weakness and regulates maternal myasthenia.
About 10-20% of infants whose mothers are affected by this condition are born with transient neonatal myasthenia (TNM), which usually produces eating and respiratory problems that occur about 12 hours to a few days after birth. A baby with TNM usually responds well to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and the condition is usually resolved within three weeks, as the immune system is weakened and usually does not cause problems. Very rarely, a baby can be born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, second only to severe intrauterine weakness. This is because the mother’s immune system directs the baby’s acetylcholine receptors. In some cases, the mother remains asymptomatic.
Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis
As already mentioned, Myasthenia gravis is a long-term autoimmune health supplement that significantly leads to muscle loss. Since its symptoms vary from person to person and become more severe over time, it is very difficult to diagnose whether you have this condition or not.
In the event that a person develops obvious symptoms or infectious diseases, they are recommended by health care professionals based on the existing symptoms and medical history of the individual. To confirm the condition, the person undergoes a physical examination and several tests such as blood tests, CT scan, electromyography, MRI scan, nerve stimulation, a few neurological tests, edrophonium tests, etc.
Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
If there is a genetic variation, it may lead to Myasthenia gravis. These neuromuscular disorders occur when there is a defect in the immune system, and they indicate direct effects on the human skeletal system.
Note that, to date, no cure has been found for Myasthenia gravis, however, the goal of treatment is to avoid future complications and to control the symptoms that appear by providing the necessary medications and support for health care. Some of the ways doctors help prevent future damage are the following-
- Plasma Exchange.
- Removal of Thymus Gland.
- Avoid exposure to heat and pressure.
- Intravenous Immune Globulin.
- Reduce muscle weakness.
- Lifestyle Changes.
- Medications
Also read: Important Topic of Biology: Muscular Dystrophy
FAQs
What causes myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system accidentally invades healthy tissues, and proteins that normally attack foreign substances will attack neuromuscular junctions. Damage to the neuromuscular muscle reduces the effect of neurotransmitter elements that are essential for communication between nerve cells and muscles. Although the exact cause of this disorder is unclear to scientists, muscular dystrophy claims that certain proteins caused by bacteria or viruses can cause the immune system to attack acetylcholine. The disease is most common in people over the age of 40, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the disease mainly affects young people, especially men.
What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis incorporates symptoms of weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntarily controlled muscles. The disease is caused by a breakdown of the normal communication process between tissues and nerves. Myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness that gets worse as the affected muscles are used. Although symptoms usually improve with rest, muscle weakness may pass. However, symptoms usually develop over time, usually reaching worse after the first symptoms. Disorders can affect the eye muscles where both eyelids may shrink and have double vision. Facial and throat muscles, when affected, can cause speech impairment or difficulty swallowing and chewing.
