Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (pronunciation: my-uhss-THEE-nee-uh GRAV-uhss) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The name Myasthenia Gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, means "grave, or serious, muscle weakness."
Etymology
The term "Myasthenia Gravis" comes from the Greek word "myasthenia" which means muscle weakness, and the Latin word "gravis" which means heavy or serious.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis include eye muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia), slurred speech (Dysarthria), and weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck.
Causes
Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles due to the immune system producing antibodies that block or destroy muscle receptor sites. This prevents the muscle from contracting.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis involves a series of tests including a physical examination, blood tests, electromyography (EMG), and imaging tests.
Treatment
Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis includes medications, therapy, and sometimes surgery. Medications used include Cholinesterase inhibitors, Corticosteroids, and Immunosuppressants.
Related Terms
- Autoimmune disease
- Neuromuscular disease
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myasthenia Gravis
- Wikipedia's article - Myasthenia Gravis
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