Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, the point where nerves connect to muscles. This results in muscle weakness that can fluctuate in severity throughout the day.

What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?

The exact cause of MG is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In the case of MG, the immune system attacks the acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the surface of muscle cells. AChRs are proteins that help nerve signals to pass to muscles. When the AChRs are damaged or destroyed, the muscles cannot receive the signals they need to contract properly. 

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

The symptoms of MG can vary from person to person. In some cases, the symptoms are mild and only affect the eyes. In other cases, the symptoms can be more severe and affect the muscles of the face, throat, arms, legs, and respiratory system. 

Some of the most common symptoms of MG include eye problems; such as Double vision (diplopia) and drooping eyelids (ptosis), difficulty speaking or swallowing, weakness in the arms and legs, and fatigue. In some cases, MG can also affect the respiratory muscles and cause difficulty in breathing, which can be a life-threatening complication.

Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose MG. However, several tests can be used to rule out other conditions and to help confirm a diagnosis of MG. These tests may include a physical examination, Blood tests to check for antibodies against AChRs, Electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles, Single-fiber EMG to assess the function of individual muscle fibers, and Tensilon test to see how muscles respond to a drug that temporarily improves muscle strength.

Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis

There is no cure for MG, but there are several treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve muscle strength and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. The most common treatments for MG include:

• Medications: There are several medications that can help to improve muscle strength in people with MG. These medications include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and anticholinesterase drugs.
• Plasmapheresis: This is a procedure that removes the antibodies that are attacking the AChRs. Plasmapheresis can be used to treat acute episodes of MG or to prepare for surgery.
• Thymectomy: This is surgery to remove the thymus gland, which is a small gland in the chest that is thought to be involved in the development of MG. Thymectomy is usually only recommended for people with severe MG or for people who have had a relapse after treatment with other medications.

Lifestyle Changes

There are many lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms of MG and to improve quality of life. These changes include getting regular rest, avoiding activities that make the symptoms worse, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. 

The prognosis for Myasthenia Gravis

The prognosis for people with MG varies depending on the severity of the disease and the response to treatment. However, most people with MG can live a normal life with proper treatment.

If you have any concerns about your health, please talk to your doctor. They can help you to determine if you have MG and can recommend the best treatment for your individual needs.
 
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
 
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this condition and to support those who are affected by it. There are many ways to get involved, like learning more about MG, talking to your doctor about MG, donating to organizations that support research and patient care, and sharing information about MG on social media.

By raising awareness about MG, we can help to improve the lives of those who are affected by this condition.
 
Myasthenia Gravis Nepal is a Facebook page dedicated to raising awareness about Myasthenia Gravis in Nepal. We provide information about the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options. We also connect people with Myasthenia Gravis in Nepal so they can share their experiences and support each other. If you or someone you know has Myasthenia Gravis, please join our page. We are here to help!