Myasthenia Gravis - symptom, Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis Information
A neuromuscular disorder in which there is weakness and fatigue in the voluntary muscles.
Causes:
There is a reduction in the number of receptors for the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, so that inadequate amounts of the chemical are available to carry out nerve-muscle activityprobably due to auto immune disease.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
- MG affects 1 in 7,500 people.
- Young women (20 to 30) and ageing men (60+) are usually affected.
- Complaints are usually extreme tiredness, difficulty in swallowing.
- Family members report a change in the person's smile, voice and eating habits.
- Double vision may occur.
- Any condition of extreme fatigue, resulting in an inability to cope with the daily routine must not be discounted as
laziness, boredom or depression. It rates a visit to the doctor.
- Nearly 70% of people with MG have tllmors of the thymus gland.
Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
MG can be treated and is completely curable. Treatment may involve surgery on the thymus gland if it has a tumor.
Drugs that prolong the action of acetylcholine, and steroids are used in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis.
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