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What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a disorder causing weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary
muscles. This weakness fluctuates, usually being less severe in the morning and
then
becoming worse later in the day. It is caused by a breakdown in the
communication
between nerves and muscles, usually because of an immunological problem. Early
symptoms are eyelid drooping, double vision, weakness of the face, swallowing,
chewing, and weakness of the limbs.
Who Gets Myasthenia Gravis?
Anyone can get myasthenia gravis, but women are more likely to have it. Women
usually
are usually diagnosed when they are younger than 40, whereas men are usually
diagnosed when they are older than 60.
How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?
A physician may perform blood tests or an EMG to determine if a patient has
myasthenia gravis. Patients may also have a chest scan to look at the size of
the
thymus gland.
How is Myasthenia Gravis Treated?
Anticholinesterase drugs can be used to treat myasthenia gravis, as well as
drugs that
suppress the immune system. A thymectomy (removal of the thymus) may be
performed if
medication cannot control myasthenia gravis. Plasma exchange and intravenous
immunoglobulin may also be used, but the effects are not long-lasting.
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