Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscles caused by dysfunction/destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Myasthenia gravis presents with fatigue, ptosis, diplopia, dysphagia, respiratory difficulties, and progressive weakness in the limbs, leading to difficulty in movement. Diagnosis is established based on clinical presentation, detection of antibodies, and electrophysiologic studies. Management is aimed at increasing the activity of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and suppression of antibodies. This disease can be associated with thymomas and thymic hyperplasia, and thymectomy is sometimes indicated. Myasthenia gravis can progress to a life-threatening cholinergic crisis with respiratory failure, but this is preventable with appropriate management. Prognosis is generally good with treatment, and some patients can achieve a long-term remission.