How is treatment for myasthenia gravis evolving?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) — a medical term that translates as “serious muscle weakness” — is a rare neuromuscular disease. An estimated 30,000 to 60,000 people in the United States have this disorder, which affects people of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities. Recently updated consensus guidelines have added to our knowledge of different forms of myasthenia gravis and improved approaches to treatment. What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis impairs the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles at a site called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), where nerves make contact with muscle. This causes temporary weakness of muscles in use. When the affected muscle or muscle group is rested, it recovers strength. Throughout the day, your body uses many muscle groups repeatedly; this is true even if you’re not especially active. Because myasthenia gravis is marked by use-related weakness in particular muscle groups, repeated activity of affected muscle makes weakness worse. The weakness improves with rest, only to recur as activity resumes. Which muscle groups are affected may vary from person to person. Often, the muscles around the eyes are affected. Drooping of the eyelids and double vision are common symptoms. People may complain that they are fine when they wake up, but as the day goes on, their eyelids droop. After a nap, their eyes are wide open. They could start out seeing just fine when driving, but as they drive on they develop double vision. Th...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Autoimmune diseases Neurological conditions Source Type: blogs