Myasthenia Gravis Test Items

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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
1min 14sec home-news-image

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.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is good to eat for myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and post-exertional fatigue. Some patients may also experience clinical symptoms such as ptosis and diplopia. The main treatments include corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Patients with myasthenia gravis should pay attention to their diet: First, consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins that can provide sufficient immunity to prevent certain complications. Second, eat foods high in B vitamins, such as animal liver, lean meat, and whole grains, which are beneficial for patients. Third, patients should also consume high-quality proteins, which provide ample nutrition and increase resistance, including items such as milk, beef, and fish.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Is myasthenia gravis an autoimmune disease?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to abnormalities in acetylcholine receptors. This can cause weakness in some or all skeletal muscles, which easily fatigues, particularly after activity or exertion, with symptoms worsening. Symptoms can be alleviated after rest or treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors. As an autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis often co-occurs with other autoimmune disorders such as hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis typically lessen in the morning and worsen after activity, showing a pattern of being lighter in the morning and heavier in the evening.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does myasthenia gravis require hospitalization?

Myasthenia Gravis is a type of neuroimmune disease within the field of neurology which fundamentally stems from issues with the patient's own immune function. Whether hospitalization is necessary depends critically on the severity of the disease. If Myasthenia Gravis manifests only as ocular symptoms, such as ptosis and double vision, hospitalization is generally not necessary. It is important to take certain medications, primarily cholinesterase inhibitors and corticosteroids, but regular outpatient follow-ups are essential. However, if Myasthenia Gravis is generalized, with noticeable whole-body weakness, particularly if accompanied by swallowing difficulties and coughing while drinking, hospitalization is required. If a myasthenic crisis occurs, presenting with respiratory muscle weakness and breathing difficulties, hospitalization is certainly needed, and admission to the ICU might be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Manifestations

Myasthenia gravis is a type of immunological disease of the nervous system that belongs to neurology. The common clinical manifestations include the following aspects. First, some patients may experience ptosis, where they cannot open their eyes. It usually starts on one side and may also involve abnormal eye movements, such as difficulty in moving the eyes to the left or right, leading to double vision and other clinical manifestations. Second, some patients may experience dysphagia, such as difficulty swallowing, choking on water, and speech articulation disorders. Third, some patients may experience weakness in their limbs, especially an inability to perform strenuous physical activities, such as climbing stairs, which can be significantly affected. These clinical manifestations usually show a pattern of being less severe in the morning and more severe in the evening.