Definition:

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscles to weaken and easily fatigue. It is characterized by fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscles, with symptoms worsening after use and improving after rest.

Causes:

Myasthenia gravis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is unknown.

Symptoms:

The common symptoms of myasthenia gravis include muscle weakness, fatigue, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty chewing and swallowing, shortness of breath, and impaired limb movements.

Diagnosis:

Myasthenia gravis can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations, medical history evaluation, laboratory tests such as blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography, as well as specialized tests like the Tensilon test, single-fiber electromyography, and imaging studies.

Treatment:

While there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, the condition can be effectively managed. Treatment options include medications to improve neuromuscular transmission, immune system-modifying drugs, thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus gland), and symptomatic therapies to alleviate specific symptoms.

Prognosis:

With appropriate treatment, most individuals with myasthenia gravis can lead normal or near-normal lives. However, the condition is chronic and may require long-term management, including medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.