Myasthenia gravis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Neurological diseases constitute a significant challenge for modern medicine, and one of them is myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular system.In this article, we will discuss how often myasthenia gravis occurs, its clinical symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, differentiation from other diseases, treatment methods, and we will present recommended articles to further deepen knowledge on this topic.

How common is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a relatively rare disease that can affect people of any age, although it is most often diagnosed in people between 20 and 40 years of age.Statistics indicate that myasthenia gravis occurs in approximately 20 out of 100,000 people, which makes it a rather unusual disease.

Clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis result from muscle weakness due to impaired transmission of nerve signals to the muscles.Typical symptoms are:

• Muscle weakness, especially around the eyes, face, neck, upper and lower limbs.
• Double vision (diplopia) and difficulty focusing.
• Muscle fatigue after exercise, improvement after rest.
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing.

The cause of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.In the case of myasthenia gravis, the target is the acetylcholine receptors at the junction between the nerve and the muscle.This disruption leads to muscle weakness and the appearance of disease symptoms.The causes of autoimmunity are not fully understood, but genetics and viral infections may play a role in its development.

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is based on clinical examinations and laboratory tests.The most important test is the tensyl test, which involves examining muscle strength before and after administration of a drug called acetylcholinesterase inhibin.The results of these tests help confirm the diagnosis.

What diseases should be differentiated from myasthenia gravis?

The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can be confusing and similar to other neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome or neuropathies.Therefore, it is important to differentiate myasthenia gravis from other diseases, which allows for appropriate treatment and patient care.

What is the treatment for myasthenia gravis?

Treatment for myasthenia gravis aims to alleviate symptoms and control the disease.Several methods are used for this purpose:

• Pharmacological agents such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.
• Plasmapheresis therapy, which involves removing harmful antibodies from the patient’s blood.
• Surgical treatment, including removal of the thymus gland, which can produce harmful antibodies.
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation therapy aimed at improving muscle strength and the patient’s quality of life.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that you or someone around you has myasthenia gravis, consult a neurologist immediately.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

Recommended articles

To learn more about myasthenia gravis and related issues, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Myasthenia gravis – questions and answers” – an article explaining the most common doubts about the disease.
• “Symptomatic treatment of myasthenia gravis” – discussion of therapies aimed at alleviating the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
• “Psychological support for patients with myasthenia gravis” – information about the role of a psychotherapist in the treatment process.

It is worth remembering that myasthenia gravis is a complicated disease that requires professional medical care.Close cooperation with the doctor and patient awareness are crucial for effective disease management.