MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
By Terra Cunningham

DEFINITION
* “A disorder of neuromuscular function thought to be due to the presence of antibodies to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction”3

DISCOVERED IN
* First described in 1672 by Thomas Willis and later described in 1890 by German physicians, Samuel Goldflam, Wilhelm Erb, and Friedrich Jolly.

SYMPTOMS
* Drooping of the eyelids
* Double vision
* Difficulty smiling, speaking, swallowing
* Difficulty raising the arms
* Difficulty walking
* Difficulty breathing if chest muscle are affected

CAUSE
* The cause is unknown
* “Antibodies act against the acetylcholine receptor making a nerve come in contact with the muscle. The nerve cell conveys its message to tell the muscle to contract. The antibodies interfere with the message and the muscle contracts less efficiently. Resulting in the weakness of the arms or legs or of the muscles of the head.”4

PREVALENCE
* Today there are an estimated 50,000 cases in the United States
* Myasthenia Gravis can be found in anyone, but it is “most common in females around the third decade of life”1

TREATMENT
* Symptomatic treatment: medications that enhance the function of the acetylcholine system at the neuromuscular junction.
* Medications include – Prostigmin, Mestinon, Mytelase, Tensilon
* Long range treatment is thymectomy.
* Thymectomy is the surgical removal of the thymus gland that lies behind the breastbone and overlies the heart.

Lifestyles
* A person with Myasthenia Gravis can lead a normal life if the medications are taken in the correct dosages and at the right time of the day.

References
* Collier’s Encyclopedia with Bibliography and Index, 1988, volume 17.,Macmillan
* Dictionary of Medical Syndromes, 3rd edition, Magalini
* Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 26th edition, 1985, Saunders
* Encyclopedia Americana, 1993, volume 19., Grolier
* The Medical and Health Encyclopedia, volume 1., Southwestern Company

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS.ppt