Jennifer Vilarino Period: 5 Myasthenia Gravis Jennifer Vilarino Period: 5

What is it? Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune muscle disease. Weakness in voluntary, skeletal muscles. Miscommunication between nerves and muscles results in muscle weakness. Muscles fail to respond to nerve impulses which leads to the muscles not contracting.

Causes Auto-immune problems The actual cause is unknown. Most popular theory: Viral proteins cause the body to attack acetylcholine, which is crucial in the communication between nerve cells and muscles.

Symptoms Most common symptoms: Droopy eyelids and mouth. Trouble chewing, swallowing, holding head up. Double vision Trouble talking, walking, lifting. Fatigue

Thymus Gland Plays unknown role in disease. Part of normal immune system. Grows gradually until puberty. Replaced by fat as we age. Remains large in patients with myasthenia gravis and is abnormal. Provide incorrect instructions for the development of immune cells.

Treatment No cure Treatment can help with symptoms: Medication Surgery Immunosuppressants Corticosteroids Anticholinesterase agents Surgery Thymectomy (thymus gland removal) Therapy Plasma Exchange

Plasma Exchange Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) Abnormal antibodies are removed and replaced. May result in improvement in muscle strength. Usually used in patients suffering from extreme weakness.

Myasthenic Crisis Severe type of myasthenia gravis. Life-threatening Breathing muscles become weakened causing respiratory failure. May be triggered by reactions to medication, fever, or infection. Can cause quadriparesis if left untreated and even death. Requires assisted ventilation.

Prognosis Depends on factors such as surgery, medication, or the simple severity of the disease. Early treatment can prevent the progression of myasthenia gravis and improve individuals lives. Few cases have gone into remission. Muscle weakness has completely disappeared or reduced greatly. The use of medication is no longer necessary. Severe cases result in emergency medical attention and often death. 50% chance of overcoming myasthenia gravis.

Question #1 What is crucial in the communication between nerve cells and muscles? Acetylcholine

Question #2 What are the common symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis? Droopy eyelids and mouth. Trouble chewing, swallowing, holding head up. Fatigue Double vision Trouble talking, walking, lifting.

Question #3 What is a myasthenic crisis? A life-threatening emergency in which respiratory muscles weaken, and cause lung failure.

Bibliography Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc. “Myasthenia GravisMuscular Dystrophy Association.” Muscular Dystrophy Association, 18 Jan. 2016, www.mda.org/disease/myasthenia-gravis. @Healthline. “Myasthenia Gravis.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/myasthenia-gravis#Treatments5. “Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 10 May 2016, www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthe nia_gravis.htm#3153_3. Marieb, Elaine Nicpon. Essentials of Human Anatomy &Amp; Physiology. San Francisco, CA, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2009.