“Myasthenia Gravis: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatments”

17 Likes Comment Views : 130

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal 1 muscles, which are responsible for 2 voluntary movements. In MG, the immune system mistakenly attacks the connections between nerves and muscles, disrupting communication and leading to muscle fatigue and weakness.
Definition of Myasthenia Gravis
MG is defined as an autoimmune disorder where antibodies disrupt the transmission of nerve signals to muscles at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in fluctuating muscle weakness.

Types of Myasthenia Gravis?

• Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Affects muscles throughout the body, including those controlling eye movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
• Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: Primarily affects the muscles responsible for eye movement and eyelids.
• Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis: A temporary form that affects newborns whose mothers have MG.
• Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS): A group of rare, inherited disorders that affect neuromuscular transmission, distinct from autoimmune MG.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Symptoms often fluctuate and worsen with activity, improving with rest. Common symptoms include:
• Muscle weakness, especially after activity
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Slurred speech (dysarthria)
• Weakness in the arms and legs
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath.

Causes of Myasthenia Gravis?

MG is an autoimmune disease. The immune system produces antibodies that attack acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction, preventing nerve signals from effectively triggering muscle contractions. The thymus gland, a part of the immune system, is often involved in MG, sometimes containing tumors (thymomas).

Who Can Suffer from Myasthenia Gravis?

MG can affect anyone, but it is more common in:
• Women under 40
• Men over 60

Diagnostic Tests of Myasthenia Gravis?

• Screening:
o Clinical evaluation of symptoms and physical examination.
o Edrophonium test (Tensilon test): Involves injecting edrophonium chloride to temporarily improve muscle strength.

• Diagnosis:
o Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody test: Detects antibodies that attack AChRs.
o Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibody test: Detects antibodies in a subset of patients without AChR antibodies.
o Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles.
o Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS): Assesses muscle response to repeated electrical stimulation.
o CT or MRI of the chest: to examine the Thymus gland for abnormalities.

• Prognosis and Monitoring:
o Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMG): A tool to assess disease severity and monitor treatment response.
o Regular monitoring of muscle strength and symptoms.

Stages of Myasthenia Gravis?

MG severity can vary, and there isn’t a universally accepted staging system. However, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification is often used, which categorizes MG based on the severity and distribution of muscle weakness.

Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis?

• Medications:
o Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine): Improve neuromuscular transmission.
o Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): Suppress the immune system.
o Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil): Suppress the immune system.
• Therapies:
o Plasmapheresis: Removes antibodies from the blood.
o Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): Provides healthy antibodies to modulate the immune system.
o Thymectomy: Surgical removal of the thymus gland.
• Lifestyle adjustments:
o Resting between activities.
o Stress management.

Diet for Myasthenia Gravis?

There is no specific diet that cures MG, but a balanced, healthy diet is recommended. Some considerations:
• Easy-to-chew and swallow foods.
• Small, frequent meals.
• Nutrient-rich foods for overall health.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Stay well hydrated.

Prevention of Myasthenia Gravis?

MG itself cannot be prevented, as it is an autoimmune disease. However, managing symptoms and maintaining overall health can improve quality of life.
• Maintaining good general health.
• Managing stress.
• Following treatment plans.

Overall Survival Rate of Myasthenia Gravis?

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with MG can lead relatively normal lives. Mortality rates have significantly decreased due to improved therapies. The prognosis varies depending on individual factors and the severity of the disease.

Which Doctor Will Treat Myasthenia Gravis?

• Neurologist: A specialist in disorders of the nervous system.

Diseases Associated with Myasthenia Gravis?

• Other autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disorders, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Thymoma (tumor of the thymus gland).

How to Prevent Myasthenia Gravis?

As an autoimmune disease, there is no known way to prevent Myasthenia Gravis. Early diagnosis and proper treatment is the best way to manage the disease.

For more information Visit us :

Website: http://www.healthsrainbow.com/

Website Blog: https://www.healthsrainbow.com/blog/

Subscriber: https://www.youtube.com/@healthsrainbow4897

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087738795787

Facebook Main Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072657459686

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthsrainbow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/healths_rainbow

RELATED VIDEO : 

  1. child health care tips  : https://youtu.be/iAY_uSSJE_U
  2. Uti infections in children’s : https://youtu.be/ryswMaWFCmk
  3. Down syndrome symptoms : https://youtu.be/-8cENbESEcU

RELATED  ARTICLE : 

  1. Heart birth defects : https://www.healthsrainbow.com/blog/2022/07/14/
  2. Toddlers bite : https://www.healthsrainbow.com/blog/2022/04/21/
  3. Dermatitis in Kids : https://www.healthsrainbow.com/blog/2022/04/21/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE : 

  1. https://www.healthsrainbow.com/
  2. https://www.healthyvedics.com/

This video Covers the information about:

What is Myasthenia Gravis? Types of Myasthenia Gravis? Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis? Causes of Myasthenia Gravis? Who Can Suffer from Myasthenia Gravis? Diagnostic Tests of Myasthenia Gravis? Stages of Myasthenia Gravis? Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis? Diet for Myasthenia Gravis? Prevention of Myasthenia Gravis? Overall Survival Rate of Myasthenia Gravis? Which Doctor Will Treat Myasthenia Gravis? Diseases Associated with Myasthenia Gravis? How to Prevent Myasthenia Gravis?

PUBLISHED BY HEALTHS RAINBOW

About the Author: healthsrainbow

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate »