Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a rare disease characterized by decreased muscle strength and increased fatigue. This disease is associated with a violation of the conduction of nerve impulses in the muscle due to a lack of the nerve impulse mediator - acetylcholine. Myasthenia gravis predominantly affects women, most often between the ages of 20 and 30 years. The cause of myasthenia gravis has not been fully elucidated, but the hereditary nature of the disease is possible.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis

The first sign of myasthenia gravis is increased muscle fatigue, especially the eye muscles. This is manifested by squint and double vision, drooping eyelids, especially towards the end of the day. After rest, muscle strength is restored. If the facial and masticatory muscles are affected, the patient experiences difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing for a long time. When the chest muscles are damaged, breathing is impaired. Tendon reflexes are reduced. In some patients, the disease occurs as a myasthenic crisis. The condition suddenly worsens, general weakness occurs, swallowing, speech and breathing are impaired, and cerebral hypoxia occurs. Without assistance, a crisis can be fatal.

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

To diagnose myasthenia gravis, an electromyographic study (EMG) is performed, which allows you to determine disturbances in the conduction of nerve impulses in the muscles. Other tests such as a muscle fatigue test, an anticholinesterase sensitivity test, and an acetylcholine receptor antibody test are also performed.

Treatment of myasthenia gravis

Treatment for myasthenia gravis is aimed at increasing the amount of acetylcholine in nerve endings and increasing muscle strength. The following methods are used for this:

1. Anticholinesterase drugs: 0.05% solution of prozerin subcutaneously, 0.5-1 ml intramuscularly, oxazil in suppositories. These drugs increase the amount of acetylcholine in nerve endings, which improves the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles.

2. Prednisolone 100 mg orally every other day. This drug reduces the amount of antibodies to acetylcholine receptors, which also improves the conduction of nerve impulses in the muscles.

3. Ephedrine solution 5%, 1-2 ml subcutaneously. This drug enhances muscle contractility and improves breathing.

In addition, immunosuppressants, immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and other treatments may be prescribed depending on the severity of the disease.

In conclusion, myasthenia gravis is a serious disease that can lead to significant disruption in the body's functioning. It is important to consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear in order to begin treatment on time and prevent the development of dangerous consequences.

Myasthenia Gravis: Chronic Neuromuscular Transmission Disorder

Myasthenia gravis, also known as myasthenia gravis pseudoparalytica or erbamyasthenia, is a chronic neurological disease that affects the transmission of signals between nerves and skeletal muscles. This condition causes fatigue and weakened muscles, which can make it difficult for the patient to function normally.

Myasthenia gravis is usually caused by an autoimmune process in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks receptors for acetylcholine, a substance needed to transmit signals between nerves and muscles. This leads to a decrease in the number of functioning acetylcholine receptors and impedes neuromuscular transmission. Because of this, the muscles become weakened and quickly tire.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary depending on which muscles are affected. However, the most common symptoms include weakened muscles, especially during physical activity, double or blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and speaking, fatigue, especially at the end of the day, and changes in facial expressions.

The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis can be difficult because symptoms may be similar to other neurological or muscle disorders. However, a thorough physical examination, medical history, and a range of diagnostic tests, including electromyography (a study of electrical activity in muscles) and blood tests for antibodies associated with myasthenia gravis, can help make the correct diagnosis.

Treatment of myasthenia gravis is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. In some cases, medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors are used to help increase the concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Immunotherapy can be used to reduce the activity of the immune system and reduce autoimmune attacks.

In some cases, surgery may be required, such as removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy), a gland that plays a role in the immune system and may be associated with the development of myasthenia gravis. Physical and occupational therapy may also be helpful to strengthen muscles and improve function.

It is important to note that a chronic disease such as myasthenia gravis requires long-term management and collaboration with a physician. Regular monitoring, following doctor's recommendations, proper rest and stress management can also help control symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

Although myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition, modern diagnostic and treatment methods have significantly improved the prognosis for patients. Seeing a doctor in a timely manner and following the recommendations will help control symptoms and maintain an active and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, myasthenia gravis is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue during physical activity. This condition is caused by an autoimmune process that affects neuromuscular transmission. Timely diagnosis and treatment, collaboration with a doctor, and symptom management will help patients with myasthenia gravis live active and fulfilling lives.

Myasthenia gravis is a neurological disease characterized by muscle weakness. This is a common muscle disorder that can lead to serious complications such as muscle weakness in the neck, arms, and other parts of the body. Myasthenia gravis can manifest itself in different forms, including mild and severe forms of the disease. And depending on the form, treatment may vary.

Myasthenia gravis begins to manifest itself as a decrease in muscle strength or ability to control movement. It can cause problems with breathing, swallowing, chewing, speech and vision. It is important to remember that these symptoms do not appear immediately, but rather develop gradually.

Treatment of myasthenia gravis is carried out according to some specific rules: - prescription of drug therapy; - neurosurgical operation as a last resort if treatment with medications is impossible or the disease is severe; - social adaptation; - prevention (strengthening the immune system and antioxidants), etc. Therapy is prescribed only by a neurologist. Drugs must be prescribed strictly individually in accordance with many factors, such as age, gender, form of the disease, symptoms and severity.

The first step in treating myasthenic syndrome is to control the neuromuscular system and maintain healthy functions. This usually requires ongoing use of medications to maintain neuromuscular pathway function. In the most severe cases, surgical treatments are used to eliminate or reduce symptoms. It is important to remember that each case of myastia is individual and depends on many factors, such as the form of the disease, severity, age, concomitant diseases, etc. Therefore, treatment should be individual and prescribed by specialists.