Pronounced: My-uh-stheen-ee-uh grav-iss
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder. The signal from the nerves to the muscles in blocked. As a result the muscle can not move. The muscles become increasingly weak.
Symptoms may grow more severe over time. This is a potentially serious condition. MG requires care from your doctor. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.
The root cause of MG is unknown. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks receptors in muscle. Normally, these receptors respond to the chemical acetylcholine (ACh). This chemical allows nerve signals to prompt the muscles to move. When the immune system prevents these receptors from working well, the muscles can not respond to nerve signals.
The thymus is thought to play a role in some cases of MG. The thymus is an organ behind the breastbone. Immune proteins called antibodies are produced there. It is these antibodies that may target the ACh receptors. It is still not clear why the thymus begins to produce these.
Infants of mothers with MG are more likely to develop a temporary form. It is called neonatal MG. The mother’s abnormal antibodies enter the baby’s bloodstream. When the baby is born, there may be muscle weakness. The abnormal antibodies are often cleared from the baby in about two months. This will end the baby’s symptoms.
The following factors increase your chance of developing myasthenia gravis:
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a neurologist. This type of doctor is an expert in diseases of the nervous system.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you . Treatment options include:
These drugs interfere with the breakdown of ACh. This increases the amount of ACh available to stimulate the muscle. These medications include:
This therapy is given to suppress the immune system. As a result, there are fewer antibodies present to attack the receptors. These medications include:
Immunoglobulin given by IV might help reduce symptoms. The exact mechanism is unclear. This treatment seems to have fewer side effects that plasmapheresis.
This is a procedure which cleans the blood of the abnormal antibodies. This process may need to be repeated at certain intervals.
Removal of the thymus gland is recommended for most patients with MG. This surgery may improve the symptoms in some patients.
This may only be needed if breathing is severely impaired. This can happen during an episode of myasthenic crisis.
Therapy does not generally alter the course of the disease. It may be needed to help the patient cope with changes in muscle strength. It may also help with learning alternative ways to approach daily activities.
There are no known ways to prevent MG. The following steps may improve muscle functioning in people who already have the condition:
RESOURCES:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
http://www.myasthenia.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca/
Myasthenia Gravis Association of BC
http://www.myastheniagravis.ca/
References:
Ferri FF, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment . Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2004.
Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2006.
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2004.
Gronseth GS, Barohn RJ. Practice parameter: thymectomy for autoimmune myasthenia gravis (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2000;55:7-15.
Myasthenia gravis. DynaMed. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed February 1, 2009.
Sanders DB, Howard JF. Disorders of Neuromuscular Transmission. Neurology in Clinical Practice website. Available at: http://www.expertconsultbook.com/expertconsult/b/book . Accessed February 1, 2009.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Judy Chang, MD, FAASM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.