General Information About Myasthenia Gravis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a neuromuscular disease in which receptors that allow movement commands from the brain to reach the muscles are blocked and destroyed by the body's own immune system.
Muscle weakness fluctuates depending on the time of day. The patient wakes up completely normal and refreshed in the morning. As the day progresses or as the same muscle is used (e.g., chewing, speaking), a sudden and severe loss of strength begins in that muscle, which improves with rest.
In 70% of cases, the disease initially affects the ocular muscles; double vision (diplopia) and a heavy, drooping eyelid (ptosis) begin. Subsequently, difficulty swallowing, impaired speech, and weakness in the arms and legs (inability to lift them) are observed.
When the disease severely affects the respiratory (diaphragm) and swallowing muscles, the patient becomes unable to breathe. This condition, called a myasthenic crisis, is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intubation (mechanical ventilation) and intensive care.
The blood is checked for the presence of antibodies (AChR or MuSK) that disrupt nerve communication. A specialized EMG test involving repetitive nerve stimulation and the Ice Test, which measures whether the eyelid opens after placing ice on the eye, are used in diagnosis.
Specific medications (Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like Mestinon, etc.) that deliver nerve impulses to the muscles immediately restore muscle strength. In most patients, the thymus gland in the chest, which mis-trains the immune system, is enlarged or tumorous; surgical removal of this gland (Thymectomy) completely halts the disease in a large portion of patients.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
