Types of Myasthenia Gravis Crisis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Myasthenia gravis is a neurological disease. It is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the neuromuscular junction, leading to symptoms such as pathological fatigue, ptosis, and limb weakness. Myasthenia gravis is termed as such due to its severe nature, including crises that can impair respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory paralysis, respiratory failure, and potentially death. There are three main types of myasthenic crises. The first type is myasthenic crisis, primarily caused by insufficient medication; muscular injections can be used for treatment, and if effective, it indicates a myasthenic crisis. The second type is called cholinergic crisis, resulting from an overdose of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, with symptoms including muscular twitching and pupil constriction. The third type is called refractory crisis, occurring when the body is insensitive to medication treatments. All these crises pose a life-threatening risk to patients and require immediate management, including tracheal intubation and, if necessary, mechanical ventilation.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Early symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction and also an autoimmune disease, caused by a dysfunction in the patient's immune system. Early symptoms of myasthenia gravis may include mild general fatigue, which can be relieved by rest, and may not be particularly concerning to the individual. Some patients may initially exhibit slight ptosis and occasional double vision as clinical symptoms, which they might not take very seriously either. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe, such as noticeable ptosis, double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and even potential weakness of the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Myasthenia Gravis Test Items

Myasthenia gravis is a common neurological disease, primarily an autoimmune disorder. It typically results in symptoms that are worse in the evening and fluctuate throughout the day, mainly manifesting as limb weakness, double vision, swallowing difficulties, and speech impairments. In severe cases, it can even affect respiration, leading to weakness of the respiratory muscles and necessitating the assistance of a ventilator. The key examinations for myasthenia gravis include: Firstly, a chest CT scan. Many patients with myasthenia gravis have thymic hyperplasia or thymomas, making this scan crucial. Secondly, repetitive nerve stimulation electromyography. This test can detect amplitude decrement in response to stimulation, which is significant for diagnosing the disease. Thirdly, testing for specific antibodies related to myasthenia gravis, such as acetylcholine receptor antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is very important for diagnosis. Additionally, other tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and thyroid function tests are also conducted.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What should not be eaten in the case of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system, primarily due to dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction, leading to skeletal muscle fatigue. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, double vision, overall weakness, and even swallowing difficulties. Foods that should be avoided in myasthenia gravis mainly include certain medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, which should not be taken orally by patients, as well as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. These antibiotics can exacerbate neuromuscular transmission disorders, potentially worsening the disease. Additionally, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and some anti-arrhythmic drugs can also reduce muscle membrane excitability and should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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What should people with myasthenia gravis pay attention to in their daily lives?

Patients with myasthenia gravis should be careful to continue taking their medications after being discharged from the hospital and must not change the dosage or administration of their medication on their own. It is important to avoid overexertion and emotional stimuli in daily life. One should ensure to get enough rest, maintain adequate sleep, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid spicy, stimulating, and excitatory foods. Do not be overly sad or experience excessive emotional fluctuations. Pay attention to the risk of catching a cold and upper respiratory infections. Take precautions against exposure to cold and prevent infections. Balance work and rest, maintain regular life patterns, keep in good spirits, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid excessive emotional disturbances and stimuli.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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Acupuncture treatment for myasthenia gravis

Patients with myasthenia gravis suffer from a systemic autoimmune disease, primarily affecting the neuromuscular junctions, which leads to corresponding clinical manifestations. The essence of the disease is caused by immune dysfunction, where the body produces specific antibodies that affect the transmission of impulses. Patients typically experience general weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, and in severe cases, weakened respiratory muscles leading to respiratory paralysis. The treatment of myasthenia gravis mainly involves medication, including corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and other immunosuppressants. Additionally, there are some newer drugs that modulate the immune system. Acupuncture treatment, as an important method of traditional Chinese medicine, can also be used in the management of myasthenia gravis, primarily to improve the patients' resistance, enhance physical constitution, and play a significant role in preventing complications and reducing the dosage of other medications. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)