What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disease characterised by abnormal weakness and fatigability on exertion. It is due to a shortage of an enzyme called Acetylcholine as a result of acetyle choline receptor deficiency. Acetyle choline is necessary for muscle contraction.
Clinical Features
1. Myasthenia Gravis selectively affects the eye muscles resulting in drooping of eyelids and double vision.
2. Loss of facial expression, everted lips, a smile that resembles a snarl, jaw drop, nasal regurgitation of liquid, choking on food.
3. Slurred speech.
4. Abnormal fatigability of limb muscles resulting in difficulty in combing hair, lifting objects repeatedly, climbing stairs, walking or running.
5. Gradually respiratory muscles are affected, and breathlessness commences.
6. There is no wasting of muscles, only weakness.
Management
Medical advice must be sought.