Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects the way your muscles and nerves communicate.

Myasthenia gravis (my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis) is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control.

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles.

There is currently no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of arm or legmuscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech.

Limited facial expressions. chewing, swallowing and breathing.

Though myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, it's more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60

Autoantibodies that your immune system produces that block or destroy many of your muscles' receptor sites for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

With fewer receptor sites available, muscles receive fewer nerve signals, resulting in weakness.

Antibodies may also block the function of the protein tyrosine kinase, which is involved in forming the nerve-muscular junction leading to myathenia gravis.

The Thymus gland located behind your breastbone, may trigger or maintain the production of the antibodies that block acetylcholine. In some adults with myasthenia gravis, however, the thymus is abnormally large. Some people with myasthenia gravis also have tumors of the thymus.

Some people may have myasthenia gravis that isn't caused by antibodies blocking acetylcholine or the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase.

Genetic factors also may be associated with myasthenia gravis.

Rarely, mothers with myasthenia gravis have children who are born with myasthenia gravis. If treated promptly, children generally recover within two
months after birth.

Some children are born with a rare, hereditary form of myasthenia, called congenital myasthenic syndrome.

There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of arm or leg muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, Limited facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and breathing.

Like all other neuromuscular conditions of the face, Acupuncture, when started early in the disease, results are quicker. When started later in the disease, results may take longer but are dependant on the persons overall health and lifestyle, as well as their motivation to get better.