Myasthenia gravis and recent research

A neuromuscular disease, myasthenia gravis can affect anyone, but is likely to affect women in the 20-year-old to 40-year-old range and men in the 50-year-old to 70-year-old range. It is known as an autoimmune disease that causes a pattern of muscle with weakness with physical exertion followed by a strengthening of the muscles with periods of rest.

Myasthenia gravis is due to a transmission defect of the nerve impulses that travel to the muscles. This is thought to occur because of a malfunctioning communication disturbance between the nerve and the muscles. This malfunction disturbance is because the body’s immune system attacks itself in error.

An abnormally developed thymus gland is a culprit in this disorder because this is where the immune system develops. Because of this abnormal thymus gland, myasthenia gravis can develop. The reason behind the condition is not totally understood at this point, but it is believed to be due to improper communication to the cells during the developing stages.

The symptoms of myasthenia gravis represent themselves with voluntary muscle defects of the eyes, swallowing, and facial movements, as well as the extremities. The first signs of this disease are not easily recognized as myasthenia gravis and may come on suddenly.

The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis does not come easily. The first symptoms, usually weakness, can mimic many other types of illness and disease. The severity of this disease may vary from person-to-person. A diagnosis is made through laboratory blood testing, as well as other types of testing that include nerve testing. With proper treatment discovered during advances in medicine over the years, this disease is highly controllable with the proper forms of medication and therapies. The outlook for a typical myasthenia gravis patient is very good and they can lead an almost completely normal life.

Myasthenia gravis and recent research is on ongoing process. Due to medical and technical advancements, there are more treatment options that involve different forms of effective therapies. Diagnosis is also more accurate and found more efficiently in terms of time.

Myasthenia gravis research has helped scientists and physicians to have an increased knowledge in terms of the thymus gland, the autoimmune system, and the relationship between the nerves and the muscles. Although scientists are aware of the general idea of the relationship between myasthenia gravis and the thymus gland, they are still seeking a more definitive relationship between myasthenia gravis, the autoimmune system, and the thymus gland itself.

Further research combined with regular care by a physician will greatly enhance your quality of life if you suffer from this neuromuscular, autoimmune disease.

RESOURCES

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of AMerica: Latest News

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet

National Insitute of Neurlogical Disorders and stroke: Myasthenia Gravis Infomration Page

American academy of Neurology: New Treatment Boost Muscle Function in Myasthenia Gravis

St. Louis University: Researchers Try new Approach to Manage Myasthenia Gravis