What Is Myasthenia Gravis And How Severe Is It?

What is myasthenia gravis? This is an autoimmune disease characterized by the weakening of voluntary muscles. Myasthenia gravis causes the immune system to attack the muscle receptors that allow the muscles to move. This means that it breaks the connection between the nerves and the muscles, affecting their proper functioning.

The term “myasthenia gravis” comes from Latin and means “severe muscle weakness”. The disease affects about 1 in 5,000 people. Although it can occur at any age, it is more common before the age of 40 in women and after 50 years in men.

Myasthenia gravis is a disabling and complex disease for which no treatment has yet been discovered. However, there are certain medications that help relieve symptoms. In this article, we will explain in detail what myasthenia gravis is and how dangerous this condition is.

What is myasthenia gravis?

To understand this disease, we must first understand how muscles work.

Muscles receive chemical signals from the nerves. Normally, when we make a voluntary movement, these substances are released in the nerve endings. They act on the muscle receptors, and the movement takes place with the desired strength and precision.

Myasthenia gravis affects the immune system and attacks these muscle receptors. It does not allow chemicals to activate the muscles, causing weakness and fatigue. The state of muscle weakness worsens after a certain period of physical activity.

Myasthenia gravis usually affects muscles such as those that control facial expressions, chewing or swallowing. It can even affect the respiratory muscles.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Although it can affect many muscle groups, the ones that are most often affected are:

• Eye muscles. Most people with myasthenia gravis have vision problems, such as double vision. They also tend to have drooping eyelids.
• Many patients have difficulty speaking. They also have a soft, nasal voice.
• The process of swallowing. This disease affects simple movements, such as chewing or swallowing. This means that there is a risk that the patient will suffocate when eating or drinking any food or liquid.
• Facial expressions. Often, patients with myasthenia gravis are unable to smile normally.
• In addition, weakness can also occur in the limbs or neck. When this happens, the patient’s ability to walk or keep his head in a natural position is affected, which is why his head tends to fall sideways.

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

To diagnose myasthenia gravis the doctor must know all the symptoms and medical history of the patient. He then has to do a thorough physical examination of the patient. Numerous additional tests are also needed to confirm the diagnosis. For example, the doctor will perform a neurological examination to check muscle strength and tone, reflexes and coordination.

Blood tests also provide very useful information for making the diagnosis. As we have already explained, myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease, which is why the patient’s blood usually contains antibodies specific to the disease. Doctors also use other tests such as:

• Repetitive nerve stimulation.

Conclusion

Myasthenia gravis is a complex disease characterized by muscle weakness. It can affect different parts of the body, such as the eyes, extremities or respiratory muscles.

Myasthenia gravis is a serious disease that can endanger the patient’s life. Also, at the moment there is no treatment, which is why it is essential to consult a doctor right from the first symptoms, so that he can prescribe the necessary medicines to slow down their evolution.