Myasthenia gravis

Definition

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by variable weakness of voluntary muscles, which often improves with rest and worsens with activity. The condition is caused by an abnormal immune response.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

In myasthenia gravis, weakness occurs when the nerve impulse to initiate or sustain movement does not adequately reach the muscle cells. This is caused when immune cells target and attack the body's own cells (an autoimmune response). This immune response produces antibodies that attach to affected areas, preventing muscle cells from receiving chemical messages (neurotransmitters) from the nerve cell.

The cause of autoimmune disorders such as myasthenia gravis is unknown. In some cases, myasthenia gravis may be associated with tumors of the thymus (an organ of the immune system). Patients with myasthenia gavis have a higher risk of having other autoimmune disorders like Thyrotoxicosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Myasthenia gravis affects about 3 of every 10,000 people and can affect people at any age. It is most common in young women and older men.

Symptoms

• Vision changes:
  o Double vision
  o Difficulty maintaining steady gaze
  o Eyelid drooping
  
• Patients with generalized disease may also have:
  o Swallowing difficulty, frequent gagging or Choking
  o Weakness or paralysis (may worsen with exertion later in the day)
  o Muscles that function best after rest
  o Drooping head
  o Difficulty climbing stairs
  o Difficulty lifting objects
  o Need to use hands to rise from sitting positions
  o Difficulty talking
  o Difficulty chewing
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Hoarseness or changing voice
  
• Fatigue
  
• Facial paralysis
  
• Drooling
  
• Breathing difficulty
  

Signs and tests
Examination may be normal or may show muscle weakness that progressively worsens as the muscle is used. In many patients the eye muscles are affected first. Reflexes and sensation are normal. Weakness may affect the arms, legs, breathing or swallowing muscles and any other muscle group.