What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease in which the communication between nerve and muscle is disrupted. The most typical feature is that muscle weakness increases with use and can decrease with rest. The disease does not affect the same muscle groups in every person.
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
- Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis)
- Double vision
- Quick tiring during speaking or chewing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness in the arm, leg or neck muscles
- In some patients, involvement of the respiratory muscles
Newly developing or rapidly increasing shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing may require emergency assessment.
How Is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis, in addition to the neurological examination and disease history, can be supported by investigating certain antibodies in the blood and by electrophysiological tests. Methods such as repetitive nerve stimulation and, when necessary, single-fiber EMG can be used. Chest imaging may also be requested for the purpose of assessing the thymus gland.
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment
Treatment is planned according to the extent and severity of the disease, the patient’s age and accompanying conditions. Medications that reduce the symptoms, treatments that regulate the immune system, and, in selected cases, thymectomy can be considered.
In worsenings requiring rapid clinical improvement or in situations such as myasthenic crisis, treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange can be used. The mechanisms of action of these two methods differ from each other, and which option will be used is determined according to the clinical situation.
Myasthenia gravis may require long-term follow-up. Since stopping the medications on one’s own or changing the dose can lead to serious problems, treatment adjustments should be made with physician assessment.
Practice and contact information
This content has been prepared for general informational purposes; it does not replace personal diagnosis or treatment advice.
