What is myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that occurs at the “nerve-muscle” junction.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the “nerve-muscle” junction, characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles and
The symptoms are easily fatigable and fluctuating.
Myasthenia gravis is one of the autoimmune diseases with the most clearly defined antigens and antibodies and a relatively clear immunological pathogenesis, and it may become a breakthrough in overcoming autoimmune diseases. The recognition and prevention of myasthenia gravis and the care of patients with myasthenia gravis are of great importance to the health of the whole society.
【Trivia: Neuromuscular junction diseases
Diseases caused by neuromuscular junction dysfunction are usually characterized by partial skeletal muscle weakness, but do not involve all muscle groups in the body, such as cardiac muscle, sphincter of urine and faeces, and smooth muscle of the uterus are not involved. Acquired antibody-mediated neuromuscular junction disorders include autoimmune and neonatal myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenia gravis syndrome (LEMS). Myasthenia gravis is characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness due to the presence of pathological antibodies directed against the muscle endplate components of the postsynaptic membrane.
Characteristics of myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is not hereditary, is not contagious, and generally does not affect life expectancy, but is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Its condition is reversible and can be treated, although it is difficult to cure and prone to recurrence. With timely and appropriate treatment, it can be “clinically cured” or clinically cured in the near future.
With the existing medical treatment and rehabilitation, the life expectancy of myasthenia gravis patients can be basically the same as that of the general population, and if the daily rehabilitation is properly managed, the occurrence of critical symptoms can be avoided and life threatening can be avoided. Therefore, with proper understanding of the characteristics of myasthenia gravis and appropriate treatment plan according to the specific condition, most patients can achieve “clinical recovery” or recent clinical recovery and return to normal study, work and life.
If patients can also actively manage their own health, it will help to reduce the possibility of relapse, improve the quality of life and keep their health condition stable.
