MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular junction disease characterized by severe muscle weakness. It commonly involves muscles of the eye, face and swallowing. In severe cases, respiratory muscles may be affected. It is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies against acetylcholine nicotinic receptors are formed, which destroy these receptors. Thymus is enlarged in many of these patients. These patients are managed by acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (neostigmine), immunosuppression by cortisol and plasmapheresis. Thymectomy is effective in some cases