Myasthenia Gravis Research Paper

Myasthenia gravis is a neurological disorder that affects the immune system and causes chronic muscle weakness in the skeletal muscles of the human body. The name myasthenia gravis means "grave muscle weakness". A strong indication of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that heighten during periods of physical activity and decrease after resting periods. Muscles like those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, eating, speaking, breathing and neck and limb movements can all be affected by myasthenia gravis.
Myasthenia gravis is caused by an irregularity in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. It appears when the communication between nerves and muscles is disturbed. The nerve endings will usually release a neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine to the body’s muscles. Acetylcholine generates a muscle contraction. Those with myasthenia gravis have an absence of acetylcholine. In the case of myasthenia gravis, the body’s antibodies stop, change, or kill the acetylcholine receptors, inhibiting the muscle from contracting.The immune system creates these antibodies to fight off infection. …show more content…
Medications used to treat the disorder include neostigmine and pyridostigmine, prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. These medications can boost the strength of muscles by quelling the creation of irregular antibodies. The use of these drugs must be carefully noted by a doctor because they might cause major side effects. Thymectomy is recommended for individuals with thymomas. A thymectomy is the surgical removal of the thymus gland. Other therapy treatments for myasthenia gravis include plasmapheresis and high-dose intravenous immune globulin. A neurologist will determine which treatment option is best for each person depending on the intensity of the muscle weakness, what muscles are affected, and the age of the