Myasthenia Gravis

Adults should remain vigilant regarding their physical health. If they suffer from double vision or difficulty in verbal communication, then it is best to visit a neurologist. The symptoms may correlate to a neurological disorder that may be life-threatening. The specialist will help the person understand the cause and guide regarding the most effective treatment option.

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular condition that affects the functioning of skeletal muscles. It leads to the weakness of muscles. The person struggles with swallowing the food. There is no permanent cure available for MG. However, the treatments are proven effective in managing the symptoms. Individuals above fifty with a family history are more likely to suffer from myasthenia gravis.

What Symptoms Correlate With The Condition?

The signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis are:

• The person finds it difficult to use their muscles and remains fatigued.
• The individual suffers from severe weakness after physical exertion.
• The condition affects the functioning of the eye and facial muscles.
• Eventually, the person suffers from weakness in limbs.
• The person starts to notice a problem with their vision. They suffer from drooping and blurred vision.
• The person cannot speak, which hinders communication.
• The person struggles with the swallowing of the food.

What Are The Known Causes Of Myasthenia Gravis?

The causes of the condition are:

• Myasthenia Gravis is an auto-immune disease, due to which the individual suffers from multiple physical problems.
• Individuals with family members diagnosed with myasthenia gravis are more likely to develop the condition in later years of their life.
• Enlargement of the thymus gland can cause the excessive production of the antibodies that lead to MG.
• A thymus gland tumor can cause the person to suffer from myasthenia gravis.

What Are The Triggers Of The Condition?

The triggers that can worsen the condition are:

• Individuals under mental stress and family history can suffer from the MG.
• Extreme temperatures and fever can trigger the MG.
• The use of muscle relaxants and anticonvulsants can trigger MG.
• Pneumonia and tooth abscess can trigger the MG in individuals with a family history of myasthenia gravis.

What Complications Correlate With Myasthenia Gravis?

The complications associated with MG are:

• Due to muscle weakening, the person may have breathing difficulty. It can lead to death.
• Individuals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis are more likely to suffer from cancer in the thymus, which can be life-threatening.
• The patient struggles to chew and swallow the food, which can cause malnutrition. It can cause multiple physical problems due to nutrient deficiency.

What Tests Assist In Diagnosing The Condition?

The tests to diagnose MG are:

• Neurological Examination: The test help monitor and assess the reflexes and motor functioning of the patient.
• Antibody Test: The test determines if antibodies are causing the person to suffer from muscle weakness.
• Imaging Testing: CT scan and MRI assist in detecting any abnormality in the brain and thymus.
• PFTs: The test determines if the person is suffering from difficulty breathing.

What Medications And Surgical Procedures Help In Treating The Condition?

The medications prescribed to the patient diagnosed with MG are:

• Use of Immunosuppressants: The medications help control the abnormal response of the immune system.
• Use of Cholinesterase inhibitors: The medication helps improve the signals between the cells to help the person function.

The procedures to help ease the symptoms are:

• Thymectomy: The procedure involves the removal of the enlarged thymus to help cope with the symptoms.
• Plasma Exchange: The procedure removes the excessive antibodies from the plasma.

The patient diagnosed with myasthenia gravis should consult a neurologist in Islamabad. The specialist will help the patient understand the severity of their condition and the associated complications. Additionally, the specialist will help the patient opt for treatment that would help manage the symptoms and function adequately for everyday tasks.