Myasthenia Gravis

 

What is myasthenia gravis?

    Miastenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by varying muscle weakness, especially on the face, neck, and other limbs. This disease occurs because the immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors between nerves and muscles, interfering with the transmission of nerve signals needed to move muscles. Symptoms of myathenia gravis can vary, ranging from muscle fatigue during activities to difficulty swallowing and breathing.

What is the cause?

    The cause of myasthenia gravis is not fully understood, but is related to a disorder of the immune system that causes the immune system to attack the acetylcholine receptors between the nerves and muscles. Some factors thought to play a role in the development of myasthenia gravis include:

1. Genetic Factors: There is evidence that genetic factors play a role in a person's risk of developing myasthenia gravis. Although this disease is not directly inherited, there is a genetic predisposition to influence a person's susceptibility to this disease.
2. Environmental Factors: Several environmental factors, such as certain viral or bacterial infections, exposure to toxins, or stress, have been associated with the onset of myasthenia gravis. However, the relationship between these factors and disease progression is still not fully understood.
3. Immune Disorders: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks itself, especially the acetylcholine receptors found between the nerves and muscles. However, what triggers the immune system to do this remains an unresolved question.

Treatment

Treatment for myastenia gravis aims to reduce symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Some commonly used treatment methods include:

1. Drugs:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors: Increases acetylcholine levels in muscles to increase muscle contraction.
• Immunosuppressant: Reduces immune system activity to stop attacks on acetylcholine receptors.
• Steroids: Reduces inflammation and immune system activity.
• Biological drugs: Such as rituksimab, which targets certain B cells in the immune system.

2. Physical therapy: Includes physical exercises designed to strengthen muscles and increase movement agility.

3. Plasmapheresis: A procedure used to remove antibodies that attack acetylcholine receptors from blood circulation.

4. Intravenous therapy with immunoglobulins: Infusions containing large amounts of immunoglobulins to suppress immune system activity.

5. Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove thymus or thymectomy if the patient has a thymus tumor.

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