The first step that we are going to take in this definition of myasthenia is to know its etymological origin. Thus, we can determine that it derives from the Greek, specifically it is the result of the sum of these lexical components:
-The term “mys, myos”, which can be translated as “muscle”.
-The word “asthenia”, which means “without strength”.
It is called myasthenia to soft spot of the muscles. A muscle, meanwhile, is an organ made up mostly of contractile fibers.
The myasthenia gravis, also called myasthenia gravis, is a autoimmune disease: that is, caused by a failure of the immune system. In this case, the immune system produces antibodies that block and modify the nerve signals that must reach the skeletal muscles.
With myasthenia gravis, in this way, the person suffers the weakening of certain voluntary muscles. The disorder can affect the muscles of chewing and speech; those who control the eyelids and eye movement; or those who are linked to the breathing, for example.
Myasthenia gravis usually begins with a loss of strength that reverses with rest. However, once the affected person returns to physical activity, they reappear. In this way, myasthenia gravis is present every time the subject is active.
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, others that are associated with myasthenia gravis should not be overlooked. We are referring both to difficulties in pronouncing or articulating words as well as to the tiredness of the legs and arms and even to the difficulty to be able to gesticulate.
Likewise, it is interesting to know that myasthenia is more common in women and, specifically, in those between 20 and 40 years of age. However, it is also common in men who have passed the 60-year-old barrier.
A myasthenic crisis it is a risky situation where muscle weakness is exacerbated. It may appear associated with respiratory failure that threatens the life of the patient.
It is important to note that myasthenia gravis can be treated with drugs that reduce the production of abnormal antibodies and facilitate the communication between nerves and muscles. The individual must also receive psychological support since the difficulty in executing daily actions is frustrating.
In addition to the one already mentioned, there are other classes of myasthenia, among which the following stand out:
-Ocular myasthenia gravis. This is also known as ocular MG and is characterized because the weakness occurs in the extraocular muscles and also in the eyelids.
-Neonatal myasthenia, which is the one that occurs in newborns whose mothers have myasthenia. The usual thing is that this gradually disappears during the first year of the child’s life.
-Congenital myasthenia, which also goes by the name of SMC. It must be established that it is a so-called rare disease and is inherited.
The congenital myasthenic syndromes, on the other hand, are a varied set of diseases of genetic origin. As in the case of myasthenia gravis, they are due to a disorder in neuromuscular transmission.
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