Question
Paralysis of the limbs, onset since childhood, suspected to be a genetic disorder.
Answer
Muscle weakness is a chronic disease caused by a disorder in the transmission of nerve impulses between the nerves and muscles. Its clinical features include easily fatigable skeletal muscles, which can partially recover after rest and treatment with anticholinesterase drugs. The disease is related to genetic factors and can occur at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 10 to 35. Common symptoms include ptosis of the eyelids and diplopia, or an exacerbation of general muscle fatigue from morning to evening. Chest X-rays and thymus X-rays often show thymus hyperplasia or thymoma. Western medicine primarily treats the disease with anticholinesterase drugs and immunosuppressants. In traditional Chinese medicine, muscle weakness is classified as “flaccidity syndrome.” Symptoms of muscle weakness include ptosis of the eyelids, diplopia, strabismus, weakness in facial expression and masticatory muscles, which may affect chewing and swallowing functions and even cause difficulty breathing. Depending on the extent of the affected muscle range, it can be classified into ocular muscle type, bulbar muscle involvement type, and generalized type. Severe myasthenia gravis in children often involves extraocular muscles. Treatment includes anticholinesterase drugs, immunosuppressants, and surgical treatment. During a myasthenic crisis, it is necessary to maintain an open airway, which may require tracheotomy or nasal intubation. Muscle weakness is a difficult-to-treat chronic disease that brings physical and psychological suffering to patients and imposes a heavy burden on families and society. Clinical manifestations include easy fatigue of skeletal muscles, ptosis of the eyelids, diplopia, and difficulty with chewing and swallowing.