Question

What happens in myasthenia gravis?

Answer 1

Myasthenia gravis:

1. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles that the body uses for exercise.
2. MG occurs when communication between nerve cells and muscles is impaired.
3. This disorder prevents the development of significant muscle contractions and leads to weakness.
4. Muscle weakness results from the decreased passage of electrical impulses across the neuromuscular junction caused by the development of autoantibodies against certain postsynaptic membrane proteins.
5. It appears as broad muscle weakness, which can affect the breathing muscles and result in a myasthenic crisis, which is a medical emergency.
6. The characteristic symptom is a fluctuating weakness that worsens in the afternoon.
7. It typically affects the muscles of the eyes, throat, and extremities.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis:

1. Visual issues, such as drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia)
2. Muscle weakness and exhaustion can vary in severity over days or even hours, and they worsen when muscles are utilized (early fatigue)
3. Problems in swallowing or pronouncing words.
4. Weakness of the neck or limbs.