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Myasthenia gravis |
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Myasthenia gravis is a type of rare autoimmune disorder in which episodes of muscular weakness persists. Myasthenia gravis usually involves the voluntary muscles of the chest, throat, face, limbs therefore it may complicate everyday activities and cause major distress. This condition may become life-threatening, when the muscles that control breathing are affected. The most common type of Myasthenia gravis may occur when the body’s immune system attacks receptor cells for the neurotransmitter that induces muscles to contract. Many individuals with this medical condition also have abnormalities of the thymus gland (a small organ in the throat that produces t-cells). It forms of white blood cells called lymphocytes that play a major rule in immunity. One in every 10,000 Americans may develop Myasthenia gravis which can occur in anyone; but it is most likely to affect women of reproductive age. The symptoms of Myasthenia gravis include double vision and drooping eyelids. Many people with this medical condition also noted some periods of difficulty speaking, swallowing or chewing and they may have periodic weakness in their legs or arms. Sometimes Myasthenia gravis goes undiagnosed for a long period of time. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a drug called Edrophonium may be ordered by the doctor. When using this drug, the symptoms of this disease suddenly but temporarily improve. If there is some uncertainty with diagnosis, different electrophysiologic and neurologic tests may be done to measure function of the muscles and nerves and the antibodies associated with Myasthenia gravis. In order to treat this condition, a doctor may prescribe some immunosuppressive or corticosteroalter, during the the course of the disease by slowing the body’s immune response. Surgery may also be performed in order to remove the thymus gland (thymectomy). Certain anticholi-nesterase drugs such as Neostigmine or Pyridostigmine may help people cope with Myasthenia gravis. Taking these medications about a half hour before meals may reduce swallowing or chewing difficulties. Double vision may be relieved by wearing an eye patch. People with this disease have to eliminate stress as much as possible.
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| Category |
Women's Health
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| Related Searches |
myasthenia gravis symptoms, ocular myasthenia gravis, myasthenia gravis treatment |
| Date Submitted |
02-Aug-2005
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