Myasthenia Gravis

General Information on Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of the muscles that cause varying degrees of weakness. Most often, the condition affects the muscles of the mouth, arms, legs, eyes, or throat. In some cases, it may affect respiratory muscles as well. Myasthenia gravis commonly affect females and young adults.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis differ depending on the muscles affected. Many of the symptoms are known to ‘flare’ after excessive muscle use or activity. Other times, the muscles may function normally. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis commonly include:

Drooping eyelids
Double vision
Abnormal facial expression
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Weakness of the arms and legs
Breathing difficulties

Treatments For Myasthenia Gravis

Diagnostic efforts will usually include studies of blood-level antibodies, chest x-rays, and electrical tests of the muscles. Since myasthenia gravis is rarely curable, treatment is generally aimed towards controlling the severity of the symptoms. Such treatment may consist of extra rest, drug therapy, surgery, or plasmapherisis. Surgical removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy) can greatly improve symptoms on most patients. In others, such as infants, where the condition is caused by a tumor located on the thymus gland, surgery should eliminate the condition completely. Plasmapherisis is like a blood transfusion. However, where in blood transfusions the patient receives blood from somebody else, plasmapherisis removes the blood from the patient, where it is treated and re-introduced back into the patient. Sudden flare-ups, known as a ‘myasthenia crisis, may require emergency hospital care, to treat for breathing difficulties and swallowing difficulties.

Although the condition is generally incurable, most patients who suffer from myasthenia gravis live with the condition for many years. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, contact your doctor for further diagnosis.

Personal Experience

Myasthenia Gravis - personal experiences