Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating weakness and fatiguability. At about 14 cases per 100,000 in the U.S., it is one of the lesser known autoimmune disorders. The antigens and basic disorder mechanisms are known. Weakness is caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors or the MuSK protein at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the stimulative effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Myasthenia is treated with immunosuppressants, cholinesterase inhibitors and, in selected cases, thymectomy.

The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements can also be affected.

With treatment, most patients have a near-normal life expectancy. Quality of life can vary depending on the severity and the cause. The drugs used to control MG either diminish in effectiveness over time or cause severe side effects of their own. A small percentage of MG patients are found to have tumours in their Thymus, in which case Thymectomy is a very effective treatment with long term remission. However, most patients need treatment for the their whole life, and their abilities vary greatly.

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Related Links:

• Myasthenia Gravis
• US National Library of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic

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