Myasthenia Gravis - symptoms, pathophysiology, investigations, treatment

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing weakness in various muscles including eyes, limbs, and respiratory muscles.

• The autoimmune attack occurs at the neuromuscular junction, where acetylcholine is released to stimulate muscle contraction.
• The disorder is characterized by antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle fatigue and weakness.
• Myasthenia Gravis can also be caused by certain medications.
• Clinical features include fluctuating weakness, ptosis, diplopia, and respiratory muscle weakness.
• Myasthenia crisis is a medical emergency requiring intubation or ventilation.
• The disease has three stages: active phase, stable phase, and remission phase.
• Investigations for Myasthenia Gravis include the ice pack test, tensilon test, EMG, and serological tests for antibodies.
• Differential diagnoses include Lambert-Eaton syndrome, botulism, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and motor neuron disease.
• Management includes awareness of medications, thymectomy, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.