What is Myasthenia Gravis? Diagnosis and Full body health checkup

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What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue in the voluntary muscles. It occurs when communication between nerves and muscles is impaired, leading to muscle weakness, especially during repetitive movements. The condition can affect various muscles, including those controlling eye movements, facial expressions, and limb movements. 

Treatment often involves medications to improve neuromuscular transmission and, in some cases, surgery or other interventions.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Common symptoms of myasthenia gravis include muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly during activities that require repetitive use of muscles. 

Specific signs can vary and may include:

• Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis).
• Double vision (diplopia).
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
• Weakness in the arms, legs, neck, or respiratory muscles.
• Fatigue that worsens with activity. ( Know more about- Why do people get a fatigue? )
• Fluctuating symptoms, often improving with rest.
• Facial muscle weakness, leading to difficulty with facial expressions.

Note that myasthenia gravis can affect individuals differently, and symptoms may come and go. 

What are the development disorders that have MG?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is not typically classified as a developmental disorder. Instead, it is considered an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that can affect individuals of any age, including adults and, less commonly, children. Developmental disorders, on the other hand, are typically conditions that manifest during the developmental stages of childhood and can affect various aspects of growth, behavior, and learning.

How is MG diagnosed?

Diagnosing myasthenia gravis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and specific tests. Here are common steps in the diagnostic process:

• Medical History and Examination: A healthcare provider will discuss the individual’s symptoms, their onset, and how they progress. A thorough physical examination, particularly focusing on muscle strength and coordination, is conducted.
• Neurological Examination: Specific neurological tests, such as the ice pack test (for ptosis improvement) and edrophonium test (Tensilon test), may be performed to observe changes in muscle strength temporarily.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for the presence of antibodies associated with myasthenia gravis, such as acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR) or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies (MuSK).
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. In myasthenia gravis, abnormal patterns can be detected.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: These studies evaluate how well nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles.
• Imaging Studies: Chest imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be performed to examine the thymus gland, as abnormalities in this gland are sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis.

A comprehensive assessment involving these tests helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of muscle involvement. ( Know more about- What are muscle relaxants ? )

Can full body health checkup diagnose MG?

While a full body health checkup may include various tests that can provide valuable information about your overall health, it might not be sufficient to diagnose myasthenia gravis (MG) definitively. The diagnosis of MG often requires specific tests that assess neuromuscular function and the presence of antibodies associated with the condition.

Tests commonly used in the diagnosis of MG include:

• Blood Tests: To detect antibodies related to myasthenia gravis, such as acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR) or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies (MuSK).
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, helping identify abnormal patterns.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: Evaluate how well nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles.
• Neurological Examination: A thorough examination by a neurologist, focusing on muscle strength and coordination.
• Specific Diagnostic Tests: Tests like the ice pack test or edrophonium test may be performed to observe changes in muscle strength temporarily.

Get best treatment for myasthenia gravis and early diagnosis by booking a full body health checkup at the best hospitals in India.