Myasthenia Gravis
Overview of Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (عضلات کی کمزوری) is an immune system disorder that usually affects skeletal muscles. These muscles responsible for body movements are attacked by the immune cells of the body that disrupts the communication between nerve and muscle cells.
The condition is chronic and can result in the weakening of muscles. The autoimmune response behind the disorder produces antibodies (acetylcholine receptor antibodies) that attack the receptors present in muscle cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
The problem is generally characterized by muscle weakness but may include other signs and symptoms as well. Some of the other symptoms include:
- Eyelid drooping
- Blurred vision
- Eye muscle weakness (in case of ocular myasthenia gravis)
- Altered facial expressions
- Problem with normal limb movements
- Body parts weakness
- Problem with speaking
- Difficult breathing
- Swallowing troubles
Types of Myasthenia Gravis
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis
The exact cause of the myasthenia gravis is still unclear. The condition is not genetic and we don’t know what exactly causes the trouble. Some bacteria or virus attack can be an important trigger of this autoimmune response. However, the condition is associated with other problems such as thymoma (thymic tumor) and thyroid disease.
Risk Factors of Myasthenia Gravis
The chances of suffering from the problem are equal for people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds. Though age serves as an important risk factor. Men over 60 years of age and women under 40 years of age are more prone to develop the disease. Moreover, people who have a family history of autoimmune diseases are more prone to develop the disease.
The chances of suffering from the problem are equal for people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds. Though age serves as an important risk factor. Men over 60 years of age and women under 40 years of age are more prone to develop the disease. Moreover, people who have a family history of autoimmune diseases are more prone to develop the disease.
Prevention
Currently, we don’t have sufficient information on how the onset of this problem can be prevented. especially if you are suffering from any of the risk factors.
Diagnosis
The problem of myasthenia gravis is often confused with muscular weakness associated with age. However, depending upon the symptoms and your family history of such diseases, your physician may go for the following diagnostic procedures to diagnose the disease.
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Blood Tests: The problem occurs because of an autoimmune response and blood tests can help with the confirmation of antibodies present in the blood.
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Nerve Conduction Testing: This test is usually performed to trace the pattern of nerve conduction in the body. This can reveal information about myasthenia gravis because the condition affects nerve conduction responses to a greater extent.
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Genetics: This is another diagnostic procedure done to trace the genetic pattern of diseases. Knowing about the genetic pattern can help with the disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Electromyogram (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles that are affected in such conditions.
Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis | When to Consult a Doctor
When it comes to the treatment of myasthenia gravis, here are a few options that are considered to be effective.
Medication
Certain medications such as steroids and immunoglobulins are prescribed to patients with myasthenia gravis. This suppresses the immune response that triggers such conditions.
Surgery
Thymectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the thymus gland to restore normal nerve muscle response. Surgical removal of glands is known to be associated with symptom management of the disease.
If you constantly experience symptoms of muscle weakness, then consult a medical professional as soon as possible. Consult a Rheumatologist / Orthopedic Surgeon in case of surgery or medical emergency.
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