Myasthenia Gravis, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Myasthenia gravis is a rare chronic autoimmune neuromuscular diseaseThis condition occurs more in women than men at any ageMyasthenia gravis literally means grave muscle weakness. Antibodies blocks the neurotransmitter junction, causing a neuromuscular illnessThe thymus gland may give incorrect instructions to developing immunityThis results in the production of the acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
Which unfortunately block the receptors at the neuromuscular junctionThis result in the receptors unable to generate a muscle contractionThe muscle weakness usually increases during periods of activityThere is weakness of the eye, neck, limbs and fatigueThere is slurred speech and difficulty in swallowingThere may a waddling gait and difficulty in breathingTreatment for myasthenia gravis is with anticholinesterase agents such as neostigmineImmunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprineThymectomy reduces symptoms in more than 70 percent of patients surgicallyPlasmapheresis in which intravenous immune globulin replaces the abnormal antibodies-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Myasthenia GravisA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment for myasthenia gravis has improved tremendously with several therapies to help reduce and improve muscle weakness.a. Anticholinesterase agents such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine which help improve neuromuscular transmission and increase muscle strength.b. Immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine improve muscle strength by suppressing the production of abnormal antibodies.
They must be used cautiously because of their many side effects.c.