Does myasthenia gravis cause sensitivity to cold?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Patients with myasthenia gravis tend to be sensitive to cold, mainly due to the following factors: Firstly, patients with myasthenia gravis generally experience overall weakness and have very limited physical activity, making their physique rather frail. Patients with a weak physique are definitely more susceptible to colder environments. Secondly, patients with myasthenia gravis have lower resistance to diseases and often take immunosuppressants for a long time, making them highly susceptible to respiratory and lung infections. In cold conditions, some viruses can exploit this weakness, leading to exacerbated lung and respiratory infections, which is another major reason why patients with myasthenia gravis are sensitive to cold. Thirdly, myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that leads to immune dysfunction. This immune dysfunction makes patients particularly sensitive to cold stimuli. In a cold environment, their immune function may become even more disordered, contributing further to their sensitivity to cold.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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The difference between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis

These two are distinctly different diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) refers to a motor neuron disease, which is a degenerative neurological condition primarily affecting the upper and lower motor neurons. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as muscle atrophy, muscle twitching, general weakness, as well as potential difficulties in swallowing, articulation disorders, and atrophy of the tongue muscles. The mechanism of this disease is not very clear, symptoms progressively worsen, and there are no effective treatment methods. Neurogenic changes can be observed in electromyography. Myasthenia gravis, on the other hand, is a typical neuromuscular junction disease caused by immune dysfunction. It presents with skeletal muscle fatigue and weakness, typically worsening in the evening. Treatment with immunosuppressants has been shown to be effective.

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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
Neurology
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Causes of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a type of neurological autoimmune disease. The cause and mechanism of this disease are primarily due to disorders in the immune function of the body. Antibodies are produced in the body which attack the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to the failure of nerve impulses being transmitted to the muscles. This results in the clinical symptoms observed. Many patients may have thymic abnormalities, such as thymomas. Treatment of this disease involves the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and suppression of these abnormal immune responses, typically requiring the use of corticosteroids.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Myasthenia gravis initial symptoms

Myasthenia gravis is characterized by fluctuating and fatigue-prone muscle weakness in certain specific striated muscles. Symptoms are generally milder in the morning and more severe in the evening, worsening with continued activity and alleviating after rest. The most common initial symptom is weakness of the external eye muscles, primarily presenting as asymmetrical ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) or narrowing of the eye slit, along with diplopia, which refers to seeing double images. These are the most frequent initial symptoms, seen in over 50% of patients with myasthenia gravis. Additionally, some patients may experience disturbances in eye movement, facial muscle weakness, air leakage when puffing cheeks, incomplete eyelid closure, shallower nasolabial folds, as well as difficulty swallowing, speech articulation issues, choking while drinking, and potentially severe respiratory weakness.

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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.