Early symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that primarily affects the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing muscle fatigue in patients. This can lead to general weakness throughout the body, double vision, and even progressive paralysis of the respiratory muscles, requiring active breathing assistance in severe cases. The early symptoms of myasthenia gravis mainly include: First, patients tend to fatigue easily, such as after exercise or labor, with a rapid decline in physical strength that only recovers after resting. Second, there may be ptosis, with patients unable to comfortably open their eyes, although this symptom can improve after resting or sleeping. As myasthenia gravis progresses into its later stages, there is a marked increase in overall weakness, necessitating treatment in a neurology department.

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What are the side effects of taking steroid medication for myasthenia gravis?

The side effects of steroids in treating myasthenia gravis mainly include Cushing's syndrome characterized by specific facial and bodily features, weight gain, swelling in the lower legs, purple striae, tendency to bleed easily, poor wound healing, acne, and menstrual disorders. There could also be ischemic necrosis of the femoral or humeral heads, osteoporosis and fractures, primarily compressive vertebral fractures, as well as pathological fractures of the long bones, muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and hypokalemia syndrome. Gastrointestinal irritation is common, primarily nausea and vomiting, as well as peptic ulcers or perforation, pancreatitis, and suppressed growth in children.

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Myasthenia gravis belongs to which department?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system, primarily affecting the neuromuscular junction where synaptic function is significantly impaired. This disease falls under the purview of neurology, and most neurologists are quite familiar with myasthenia gravis, considering it a common and frequently occurring neurological condition. Patients with myasthenia gravis typically exhibit symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and general fatigue. They experience a pathological tiredness, feeling extremely exhausted after minor activities, although rest can alleviate symptoms. These symptoms are also commonly associated with the nervous system, so it is appropriate to consult the neurology department. Treatment for patients with myasthenia gravis may involve administering immunoglobulins or corticosteroids, depending on the situation, while also taking precautions to prevent potential complications.

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Where should I go for treatment of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is classified as a neurology disease. Therefore, patients should visit the neurology department for medical consultation. Fundamentally, it is an immune disorder of the nervous system characterized by the production of abnormal antibodies. These antibodies affect the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, thereby impacting the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction, which leads to various clinical symptoms. Patients may experience ptosis, double vision, and potentially compromised swallowing function, causing overall weakness. Symptoms typically worsen towards the evening. Many patients also present with thymus abnormalities. Treatment generally involves oral medications, predominantly corticosteroids and cholinesterase inhibitors.

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What is a good medicine to take for myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system. Patients need to take medication for a long time, otherwise, antibodies to acetylcholine receptors might continue to be produced, further worsening the clinical manifestations. The medications taken by patients with myasthenia gravis mainly include the following types, the first being cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs can inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine by cholinesterase, thereby improving the transmission function between nerve and muscle junctions, and improving the clinical symptoms of patients. It is best to take these medications before meals for better absorption. The second type of medication mainly includes corticosteroids. They can suppress the body's immune response and reduce the production of antibodies, which is very helpful for the recovery from the disease. Long-term usage and gradual dosage reduction are necessary. Additionally, some immunosuppressants need to be taken. Taking these immunosuppressants also aims to suppress the immune response. However, it is essential to be aware of their adverse effects, such as suppression of bone marrow function, and damage to liver and kidney functions.

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Types of Myasthenia Gravis Crisis

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.