What is a good medicine to take for myasthenia gravis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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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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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How to alleviate myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the department of neurology and its incidence is not low, it is also relatively common clinically. The treatment of myasthenia gravis mainly includes the following points: First, if patients with myasthenia gravis also have a thymoma, it is recommended to surgically remove the thymoma as soon as possible, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis and reduce the amount of medication needed. Second, provide patients with some medication, mainly some drugs that suppress the immune response, including some corticosteroids. The use of corticosteroids is relatively complex, and must be gradually increased or decreased under the advice of a doctor. Do not stop taking them on your own. There are also some drugs that are cholinesterase inhibitors, which can increase the content of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap, alleviating the patient's symptoms. In addition, research has confirmed that some new immunosuppressive agents can also be used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. In summary, the treatment of myasthenia gravis is a comprehensive subject and must be tailored according to the patient's condition.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is it dangerous to have a fever with myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction, essentially an autoimmune inflammatory response that causes generalized weakness and fatigue of the skeletal muscles, with symptoms that are less severe in the morning and worsen by the evening, and fluctuate over time. The weakness can be alleviated by rest. When patients with myasthenia gravis develop a fever, it is generally considered to be caused by an infection, perhaps a viral infection such as an upper respiratory tract infection, which can also induce fever. In such cases, the main treatment involves drinking plenty of water and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits. If necessary, some antiviral medications and antipyretics may be administered. If the fever is due to a bacterial infection, symptomatic treatment should be accompanied by the appropriate antibiotics. However, the choice of antibiotics must be made with caution. Patients with myasthenia gravis should not use aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones, as these could exacerbate their condition. Penicillins or cephalosporins may be used instead. (Please consult a professional physician for specific medication guidance.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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myasthenia gravis-related antibodies

Most cases of myasthenia gravis are mediated by acetylcholine receptor antibodies, involving cell-mediated immunity with complement, generally affecting the neuromuscular junction and causing a neuromuscular transmission disorder. This results in an acquired autoimmune disease of muscle weakness. However, a small number of patients with myasthenia gravis are mediated by muscle-specific kinase antibodies or low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 antibodies. Its main clinical manifestations include skeletal muscle weakness, fatigue, worsening with activity, and significant alleviation or reduction of symptoms after rest and the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Additionally, the disease can occur at any age, with females being more affected than males before the age of 40. Between 40 and 50 years old, the incidence rates between males and females are comparable, but after 50 years of age, the incidence rate in males is higher than in females.