Myasthenia Gravis Essay

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes weakness and rapid fatigue in the skeletal muscles, these muscles are responsible for breathing and moving. Some of the muscles affected include, control of eye movements, facial expressions, chewing, talking and swallowing. Other symptoms would include, shortness of breath, weakness in arms, hands, fingers, legs and neck. Myasthenia Gravis is a rare disease that may be difficult to diagnose. Myasthenia Gravis occurs when there is an error in the transmission of the nerve impulses, therefore when there is an interruption at the neuromuscular junction, where the nerve cells connect to the muscles. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the brain cells use to communication information. Nerve endings typically release a …show more content…
It is estimated that up to 80% of acetylcholine receptors may be destroyed by this disease. It is believed that the thymus gland causes the body to develop immune cells, and causes the production or maintains the production of antibodies that block the acetylcholine receptors. Therefore, causing the immune system to attack its own cells, tissues and specifically the acetylcholine receptors, making Myasthenia Gravis an autoimmune disorder. Myasthenia Gravis is most common in women under the age of forty and men over the age of sixty, it is not inherited and is not contagious. There are many different treatments used to diagnose Myasthenia Gravis. The diagnosis may include, a physical or neurological exam, an edrophonium test (drug injection that temporarily blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine), blood test, electro diagnostic test, or a pulmonary function test. Although there is no known cure for Myasthenia Gravis, there are available treatments the can control the