Depression

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that is characterized by different degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles of the body. The name myasthenia gravis came from a Latin and Greek origin meaning "grave muscle weakness." But, with the help of current therapies most cases it is not as "grave" as the name implies. Myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods if activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as the ones who control the eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements might also be affected.

Myasthenia gravis is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. It occurs when normal communication between the nerve and muscle is interrupted at he neuromuscular junction. In myasthenia gravis, antibodies block, alter, or destroy the receptors for acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction which prevents the muscle contraction from happening. Although, it may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control the eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing are the most common. The onset of the disorder may be sudden.

The symptoms are not often immediately recognized as myasthenia gravis. In most of the cases, the first noticeable symptom is weakness of the eye muscle. In others, difficulty in swallowing and slurred speech may be the first signs. The degree of muscle weakness varies greatly among the patients. Symptoms which vary in type and severity may include a drooping of one or both eyelids, blurred or double vision, waddling gait, weakness in arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck, a change in facial expression, difficulty in swallowing and shortness of breath, and impaired speech.

The disease can be controlled. There are many therapies available the help reduce and improve muscle weakness. Medications used to treat the disorder include anticholinesterase agents such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine, which help improve neuromuscular transmission

and increase muscle strength. Immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and

azathioprine may also be used. These medications improve muscle strength by suppressing the production of abnormal antibodies. They must be used with careful medical follow-ups because