Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by weakness and muscle fatigue.
Its autoimmune cause prompts the body’s own defences to attack the junction between the neuron and muscle, causing a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles.
The main characteristic of myasthenia gravis is fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens during periods of activity and improves during periods of rest. The most common symptoms are in the eyes, with drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia). There are other symptoms to it such as a difficulty articulating (dysarthria), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), tiredness when chewing, respiratory problems and limb weakness.
Diagnosis is reached clinically, through a detailed clinical history of the patient and a physical examination. It is confirmed by a blood test and an electromyogram.
Treatment is based off of support measures and a specific treatment with anticholinesterases, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.
- Shawn J Bird. Pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. Septiembre 2016
- Shawn J Bird. Clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. Agosto 2016
- Shawn J Bird. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. Febrero 2015
- Shawn J Bird. Treatment of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate. Mayo 2015
- Daniel B. Drachman. Miastenia grave y otras enfermedades de la sinapsis neuromuscular Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 461
- J. M.ª Grau Junyent. Enfermedades de la unión neuromuscular: miastenia grave y síndromes miasténicos. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna, ed 18. Capítulo 184
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352036
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/myasthenia-gravis/
