Myasthenia Gravis
Introduction to Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) affects approximately 2 out of every 100,000 people. MG usually appears between the ages of 15 and 50 years and females are more often affected than males. Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis includes abnormal fatigue or weakness of skeletal muscles. Myasthenia Gravis has rapid fatigability (exhaustibility) and loss of strength upon exertion that improves after rest. Symptoms are worse towards the end of the day or following vigorous exercise is characteristic. Symptoms may also include difficulty in speaking (dysarthria), difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
The first symptoms are usually of muscles that control eye movements and cause drooping eyelids (ptosis), and double vision (diplopia). Any muscle of the limb may be affected, most commonly those of the shoulder girdle, so that the patient is unable to undertake work above the level of the shoulder, such as combing the hair, without frequent rests. If untreated, the disorder may affect respiratory muscles (muscles that control breathing), and may result in acute respiratory failure.
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder and usually caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The causative factor is unknown, but the disorder may have a genetic link.
Myasthenia Gravis is a disorder of neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the transfer of information to muscle tissue from nerves. In myasthenia gravis, there is destruction of acetylcholine receptors, preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscles. This results in weakness and rapid fatigue in affected muscles.
Myasthenia Gravis may be associated with other autoimmune diseases. Patients who have family members suffering from disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Lupus may have an increased risk for Myasthenia Gravis.
Approximately 15% of MG patients have a tumor of the thymus (also called as thymoma) and 60–80% have abnormal enlargement (hyperplasia) of the thymus. The thymus is an organ that produces cells involved in immune responses and is located below the larynx and above the heart.
Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
Homeopathy has effective treatment for Myasthenia Gravis. Properly selected homeopathic remedy gives a long term relief from all symptoms of the patient. To name a few remedies Arsenic Album, Phosphoric Acid, Curare, Picric Acid, Sulphur, Natrum Mur when given homeopathically helps a lot to patients of Myasthenia Gravis. All homeopathic medicines are safe, natural, easy to administer and without any adverse effects. Those who are desperately searching for a cure for MG must consider Homeopathy on priority. If you have any specific question about your condition, please click here to ask.