Last updated on:

01 Nov 2021 | 04:56 PM (IST)

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Myasthenia gravis

Description

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune, neuromuscular disorder. It is characterized by weakness and easy fatigability of skeletal muscles. The underlying defect is a decrease in the number of available acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at neuromuscular junctions.

Broadly the disease is of three types:

1. Ocular MG

2. Generalized MG

3. Myasthenia crisis

It occurs commonly in women in their 20s and 30s, and in men in their 50s and 60s.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

1. Weakness

2. Constant fatigue in muscles

3. Double vision and dropping of lids (ptosis)

4. Difficulty in chewing, slurred speech

5. Difficulty in swallowing

Investigations

1. Your doctor may ask you for your family and disease history

2. You may be suggested to conduct motor power survey (a quantitative testing of muscle strength)

3. Laboratory tests include:

a) Anti-AChR radioimmunoassay

b) Anti-muscle specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies

4. Repetitive nerve stimulation

5. Single-fiber electromyography

Treatment

1. Medication includes:

a) Cholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine and neostigmine

b) Corticosteroids may be given in tapering doses.

c) Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil

2. Thymectomy

3. Plasmapheresis

4. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVG)

5. Total body radiation

Prognosis

1. With treatment, patients without an underlying thymoma (malignancy of thymus gland) have a normal life expectancy. In patients with a malignant thymoma the reduced life expectancy is on account of the thymoma itself and is otherwise unrelated to the myasthenia.

2. Quality of life can vary depending on the severity and the cause of the disease.

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Disclaimer

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or warnings or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.