Myasthenia Gravis Research Paper

Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that causes abnormally rapid fatigue of the skeletal muscle system. This system includes the voluntary muscles. The affected muscles tire quickly but regain strength after a period of rest. In a healthy individual, the immune system makes antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses and germs. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system makes antibodies against parts of one's own body tissues. Muscles are stimulated to contract by the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle fibers. The nerve impulses cause the presynaptic cell to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. There it is picked up by the acetylcholine receptors of the postsynaptic cell on the muscle
Myasthenia gravis is typically active for 5-7 years. Approximately 1 in 5 patients can expect a spontaneous remission, however recurrence may occur. Although life expectancy is normal in most, if not treated 3 out of 10 people will die within 10 years of the onset of myasthenia gravis. MG is usually not fatal but in the case of a myasthenia crises occurrence (when muscles needed for breathing are affected), hospitalization and intensive care may be necessary to aid breathing with a respirator. Usually blood tests are done to detect the abnormal antibody that destroys the receptors. Often a chest scan is performed to check the thymus. Once diagnosis seems a strong consideration, electromyography, single fiber EMG, and serologic tests (test clear portion of the blood) may be used. It is standard procedure to test patients with MG for other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus because they are more susceptible to them also. At this time there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but some medications can help control the