2. ‘This is the sixth time today that she’s paid me a visit. I tried to do as much as I could
without her distractions or constant reminders of why I can never finish what I start. But she was
here before I knew it. She always catches me off guard. Why can’t she find somebody else to
bother? Her shenanigans get me in a tizzy! She tires me out easily with her goading and knows
how to push my buttons. A real MacGyver she is that way! She’s good at getting right under my
skin deep down into the very fibers of my muscles! No wonder because she does by nature what
her name implies. Her name is Ms. Gravis….. Ms. Myasthenia Gravis.’ So what’s in her name?
Myasthenia Gravis is a condition that causes muscles to tire out and weaken easily. It is chiefly
characterized by an on-again-off again weakening that commonly affects the eye muscles. What
causes this to occur? By what signs and symptoms is this disease identified? And what treatment
options are available to sufferers?
According to Christian Nordqvist, “Myashthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in
which circulating antibodies cause weakness by blocking acetylcholine receptors at the post-
synaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the stimulative effect of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine”. (Nordqvist, 2010). During favorable conditions, our nerves tell our muscles what
to do by means of a message sent through a receptor. The message is delivered by a chemical
called acetylcholine. Once this chemical binds to a nerve receptor the muscle then knows what it
needs to do. In Myasthenia Gravis there are less acetylcholine receptors that you need
(Myasthenia Gravis Basics, 2013). During that time the body’s defense cells mistakenly attack
and get rid of the acetylcholine receptors needed for contraction of the muscle. The immune
system is very complex and is designed to find and eliminate foreign invaders like viruses, toxins
and bacteria (Nordqvist, 2010).
Furthermore, Myasthenia Gravis severity can be immediately identified in a localized
form, such as with the eye muscles. In other cases severe forms affecting an individual’s ability
to breathe may be presented. Although, the main feature of this disease is that the patient’s
vulnerability to fatigue is high. During periods of activity muscle weakness becomes
progressively pronounced. On the positive end, while at rest points, the body is able to rejuvenate
some energy and strength for its muscles. It is reported that nearly 15% of patients experience
specific symptoms involving problems with speaking, swallowing, chewing, facial expressions,
and limbs. Speech may become noticeably affected depending on which muscles in particular are
influenced. Activities such as eating, swallowing and drinking become ever more difficult due to
the risk of choking that can easily take place as a result of the weakening of muscles associated
with the throat. In the case that an individual suffering from this illness chews something hard or
chewy like tough red meat what will happen is a weakening of the muscles that take part in this
process during a meal. Once the patient has rested a while then chewing can resume. Among
other symptoms too facial expressions may form a different smile. And finally the weakening of
the limbs affect normal activities like walking or lifting (Nordqvist, 2010).
3. Moreover, there is no known cure for MG to this day. However, most treatments are very
effective in symptom control. In some cases adequate sleep and rest are the only things needed to
relieve affects of this ailment. When proper rest fails to change the problem then alternative
measures can be taken. Such include the introduction of Cholinesterase inhibitors, steroids and
immunosuppressants or removal of the Thymus gland. Cholinesterase inhibitors block action of
the chemical responsible for muscle relaxation after a contraction. Such improve communication
between the muscles and nerves (Nordqvist, 2010). This procedure helps affected muscles
contract the right way and maintain adequate strength while doing so. Steroids or
Immunosuppressants on the other hand have a bearing on the body’s immune system. The
objective in this case is to lower production of antibodies that cause MG. These medications are
highly effective. They drastically reduce or get rid of problematic symptoms all together.
However, the aforementioned solutions are given only to patients who could not have their
Thymus gland removed through surgery. “Surgically removing the Thymus gland improves
symptoms for over 70% of Myasthenia Gravis patients who don’t have a tumor” (Nordqvist,
2010).
In closing, it is clear that this incurable disease is definitely burdensome. But it is not at
all hopeless to endure. No one really knows what causes the body in this case to produce
antibodies that ruin acetylcholine receptors. However, all is not lost when certain measures to
alleviate the affects on the body are taken advantage of. Myasthenia Gravis may prove to remain
a medical mystery at present but the quality of life of its sufferers will undeniably prove to be a
motivating force behind new treatments, studies and the quest for relief of that which plagues all
of mankind today; that in itself being sickness as a whole.
Works Cited
Myasthenia GravisBasics.(2013, June 24th). RetrievedfromWebmd.com:
http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-myasthenia-gravi-basics
Nordqvist,C.(2010, February22). Myasthenia Gravis.RetrievedfromMedical NewsToday:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179968.php
