The disease begins at the motor nerve-muscle junction (neuromuscular junction). Immune system of the patient attacks acetyl choline receptors and related proteins on muscles. The disease is characterized by remission and exacerbation periods. Certain drugs, tooth extraction, surgeries, infections and intense stress may cause exacerbation.
Is Myasthenia Gravis (MG) a Genetic Disease?
No, it is an acquired disease or in other words, a condition that develops later in life without any genetic cause.
What are the Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
The most significant symptom is severe tiredness and fatigue of the affected muscle in response to activities. Accordingly, eyelids droop and double vision develops following a certain interval after waking up or after reading book, working on computer or watching TV; it becomes difficult to chew and swallow in intermediate or late phase of eating. Speech becomes impaired in a long conversation and arms and legs get tired during movement. As a matter of course, symptoms get worse throughout the day and resting alleviates them. Sometimes, fatigue also involves respiratory muscles causing respiratory distress, which is called myasthenic crisis. In this case, patients should be monitored in an intensive care unit.
How is Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis is based on EMG, single-fiber EMG and antibody tests. Chest CT must be performed to search for thymoma.
Medications that suppress or affect the immune system (corticosteroid agents, IVIG etc.) are used for treatment along with drugs that alleviate symptoms (pyridostigmine/Mestinon). Patients may restore a normal life very soon with this treatment, but it is necessary to maintain the immunosuppressive treatment for a long time. Infection, certain drugs and surgeries may aggravate the symptoms.
Is Surgery required for Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
When there is a tumor in thymus, surgery is required to remove the tumor. However, removal of thymus is usually beneficial in selected young patients, even if there is no tumor.