Myasthenia gravis develops due to autoimmune causes. It is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that interferes with communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness.
What is myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
This disorder occurs because the immune system produces antibodies that bind to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, impairing nerve signal transmission to the muscles.
Myasthenia gravis symptoms
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis vary depending on the muscles affected and the severity of the disease. Some of the most common include:
- Progressive muscle weakness: the weakness usually develops gradually and affects various muscle groups, such as the eye muscles, leading to double vision or drooping eyelids; facial muscles may also be affected, causing difficulty speaking clearly or chewing, as well as limited facial expressions.
- Dysphagia: if the throat muscles are affected, there is difficulty swallowing food and liquids, increasing the risk of choking.
- Extreme fatigue: muscle fatigue worsens with physical activity.
- Breathing problems: in some severe cases, the muscles responsible for breathing may weaken.
- Voice changes: the voice may become nasal or weak.
Myasthenia gravis significantly impacts patients’ daily lives by affecting their physical and emotional health.
Progressive muscle weakness affects essential activities such as walking, speaking, eating, or even breathing in some cases, along with visual, facial, and eating-related difficulties.
In more severe cases, a myasthenic crisis may occur, which is a potentially life-threatening complication involving severe weakness of the respiratory muscles; this crisis requires immediate medical attention as it puts the person’s life at risk.
Despite the above, it is common to wonder: How long does a person with myasthenia gravis live? The answer is that life expectancy is generally normal, provided the condition is properly diagnosed and treated.
Myasthenia gravis treatment
Although myasthenia gravis has no cure, several treatments are effective in controlling symptoms.
Pharmacological treatments include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to increase acetylcholine concentration at the neuromuscular junction and improve muscle function. Medications to reduce inflammation and antibody production may also be used, as well as others that suppress the immune system to prevent attacks on muscle receptors.
Thymectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the thymus gland, can improve symptoms in many patients.
Additionally, frequent rest, an adapted diet, and occupational therapy as well as physical therapy are highly beneficial tools.
Myasthenia gravis requires a multidisciplinary approach. As it is a neuromuscular disease, neurologists are the specialists with the expertise to diagnose and manage this type of disorder.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MedlinPlus, AAO, Elsevier
