Myasthenia – Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
What is myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease and affects the connection between nerves and skeletal muscles. The disease can lead to progressive muscle weakness.
Causes of myasthenia gravis
Pervoprichina myasthenic unknown. The disease occurs, when the immune system attacks the nerve receptors in the muscles. Usually, These receptors respond to acetylcholine effects (But). This chemical transmits nerve signals, controlling muscle movements. When the immune system blocks the normal functioning of these receptors, muscles can not respond to nerve signals.
It is believed, in most cases also plays a role myasthenia thymus, which produces immune proteins, called antibodies. These antibodies affect acetylcholine receptors. It is still not clear, why the thymus begins to produce them.
Infants of mothers with myasthenia more likely to develop a temporary form of the disease – Neonatal myasthenia. Abnormal maternal antibodies into the blood of the child. After the birth of your child has muscle weakness. The baby gets rid of abnormal antibodies in about two months after birth.
Risk factors for myasthenia
Myasthenia gravis is most common in women under the age of 40 years and men over 60 years.
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis may become more severe over time. In myasthenia usually occurs:
- Muscular weakness, which increases muscle tension, Physical Activity, and decreases with rest;
- Provisanie century;
- Double vision and / or blurred vision;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Baryphonia;
- Difficulty walking;
- The weakness of the hand muscles;
- Labored breathing.
Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Maybe, It requires examination by a neurologist, doctor, who is a specialist in the field of diseases of the nervous system. Tests may include the following:
- Blood tests;
- Rheotachygraphy (DOH) – test to detect abnormalities in the functioning of muscles;
- Repetitive nerve stimulation – It helps to detect a gradual increase in muscle weakness during the test;
- Test with tensilonom (Tensilon-test – held drug administration edrophonium chloride, then there is a short-term decline in the affected muscle weakness;
- Check lung function.
Appointed Taking pictures of internal organs and structures of the body, Why apply:
- CT scan;
- MRT.
Treatment of myasthenia gravis
Treatment of myasthenia gravis is focused on managing her symptoms. Treatment options may include myasthenia gravis:
Medications for the treatment of myasthenia gravis
Your doctor may prescribe these medications reception:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors;
- Corticosteroids;
- Immunosuppressive;
- The introduction of immunoglobulin.
Plasmapheresis in myasthenia gravis
The procedure is used to clean the blood from abnormal antibodies. This process should be repeated at regular intervals.
The operation for the treatment of myasthenia gravis
From the surgical treatment of myasthenia used thymectomy – surgery to remove the thymus gland. The operation will help reduce the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, or induce remission in some patients.
Mechanical ventilation in infants
The procedure may be necessary, if there is a strong respiratory failure. This may occur during an episode of myasthenic crisis.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy in myasthenic
These therapies do not usually alter the course of disease. They may be needed, to help the patient to cope with fluctuations in muscle strength.
Avoid taking the drug, which can worsen the symptoms of myasthenia gravis
Avoid drugs, which can worsen symptoms myasthenia. These include:
- Beta Blockers;
- Some antibiotics;
- Some medications, used to treat mental illness.
Prevention myasthenia
Currently there are no recommendations to prevent or myasthenia gravis.
