Myasthenia Gravis and Physical Therapy
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Myasthenia Gravis and Physical Therapy
Myasthenia Gravis
According to medical research studies, Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that develops when an individual’s immune system makes certain antibodies that affect its tissues. The antibodies produced by the body destroy or block muscle receptors that are fundamental in communication between the nerve-to-muscle and muscle contraction. The receptors are often referred to as acetylcholine (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2010). The condition results in weakness of muscles and the effects tend to increase a lot when one is involved in physical activity that only reduces after resting. The most important fact to note is that the degree by which muscle weakness occurs due to myasthenia differs greatly among the affected individuals. The difference ranges from a localized form that is only limited to ocular myasthenia to a more severe form in which other muscles, such as those that control breathing, are affected (Drachman, 1994).
In the traditional context, the condition has often been regarded to affect both genders and all ethnic groups. The most common cases are often found in younger women under the age of 40 and older men over the age of 60, although the condition can occur at any given age within the population. Epidemiological studies done in Greece found a Female to a Male ratio of 41:1, while the one in Asia indicated a ratio of 2:1, further confirming the female preponderance of this condition (Drachman, 1994). There are varied symptoms related to this condition. The first symptom, often experienced, is the muscle fatigue, especially after engaging in a physical exercise. Other symptoms include difficulty in the movement of eye and eyelid,