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Treatment of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by decreased muscle tone and pathologically rapid fatigue. It is most often manifested in such muscle groups as chewing, swallowing, limb muscle weakness, and involuntary eyelid drooping. A person needs frequent rest to restore muscle function.

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The causes of the disease are not fully understood, although there are factors that provoke the development of the pathology. Myasthenia gravis can occur in the setting of oncological pathologies, with an enlarged thymus gland, and in a number of rheumatological diseases.

Myasthenia gravis is usually diagnosed at the age of 20-30, and women are more likely to experience this pathology.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis

The disease is always progressing, so consult a neurologist at the first symptoms. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis:

Involuntary drooping of the upper eyelids and double vision are the first signs of the disease.

Impaired chewing function, coughing while eating.

Whistling while inhaling.

Change of voice, pronunciation.

Difficulty breathing.

Weakness of limb muscles.

Weakness of the neck muscles.

All this is against the background of increased fatigue. In the evening, the symptoms worsen.

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

If you have the above symptoms, consult a neurologist. Without diagnosis and treatment, the disease will lead to disability.

For diagnostics, a neurologist may prescribe a physical examination in addition to taking anamnesis:

Laboratory tests for antibodies to acetylcholine receptors or others.

CT or MRI of the chest (the thymus gland is located in the upper part of the chest).

Electroneuromyography (functional diagnostics to detect muscle and nerve disorders).

Types of myasthenia gravis

There are several forms (types) of myasthenia gravis. First of all, there is a congenital or acquired form. However, the congenital form is rare.

In the acquired form of the disease, there are generalized and ocular forms of the disease. With timely and correctly diagnosed myasthenia gravis, adequate and thorough treatment, and compliance with all medical recommendations, the prognosis for a person is favorable.

It is important to remember that CT or MRI should not be done just in case without a doctor’s prescription. Just like other types of examinations.

Treatment of myasthenia gravis

Treatment is long-term. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to achieve long-term remission. It is important to control the manifestations of exacerbations.

The neurologist prescribes medications to block cholinesterase, as well as a number of other drugs: immunosuppressants, hormones, potassium, vitamins, etc. The treatment regimen and dosage are strictly individual, only under the control and supervision of a doctor.

Additionally, a neurologist may prescribe plasmapheresis to cleanse the blood of antibodies that block the necessary receptors, which causes muscle weakness. In case of myasthenia gravis, plasmapheresis will be useful only in complex therapy, not by itself.

In the presence of a tumor of the thymus gland, a neurologist may recommend surgical treatment, which is consulted and performed by a thoracic surgeon.

With the modern possibilities of medicine, the treatment of myasthenia gravis has a favorable effect.

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Prevention of myasthenia gravis

Since the disease is autoimmune, there is no specific prevention. However, as always with autoimmune diseases, lifestyle matters. Healthy physical activity, good nutrition, a harmonious work-life balance, and the absence of long-term stress all reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Make an appointment with a neurologist using the contacts of our center.