Can myasthenia gravis be cured completely?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 20, 2024
00:00
00:00

Myasthenia gravis is a relatively common disease in neurology. Whether it can be completely cured mainly depends on the severity of the disease and some of its subtypes. For instance, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis only exhibit symptoms such as ptosis; by using some corticosteroids or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, some patients can be cured. However, there are also patients who experience generalized muscle weakness, which is particularly severe and may even affect the respiratory muscles. These patients need long-term or even lifelong medication to prevent the recurrence of severe myasthenia gravis. Additionally, some patients with myasthenia gravis also have thymomas, and many patients can be cured after the removal of the thymoma. Therefore, most cases of myasthenia gravis cannot be completely cured and require long-term medication, though a small portion might be curable.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
57sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 16sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

Can myasthenia gravis be cured?

Myasthenia gravis is a type of disease in the field of neurology and is categorized as an autoimmune disorder of the nervous system. Generally, this disease tends to recur easily, and it is somewhat difficult to cure completely. However, there is a subtype called ocular myasthenia gravis, where patients only show symptoms of eyelid drooping or double vision. In this type, some patients can be cured, typically around 30%. However, most patients still experience recurrent episodes, and the condition may even progress to a generalized form. Other forms of myasthenia gravis are usually more severe, involving generalized weakness and potentially difficulties in swallowing or choking on liquids. Patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and can be treated with immunosuppressants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to control the symptoms, though long-term medication is generally required.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
51sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
58sec home-news-image

Can metronidazole be used for myasthenia gravis?

Patients with myasthenia gravis must use ornidazole with caution and under the guidance of a doctor because the side effects of ornidazole may exacerbate myasthenia gravis. However, ornidazole is not relatively or absolutely contraindicated for patients with myasthenia gravis. Generally, the patient's side effects are observed, and if myasthenia gravis is aggravated, the use of ornidazole is recommended to be cautious or prohibited. Ornidazole can cause neurological reactions, including headache, fatigue, dizziness, trembling, limb numbness and weakness, convulsions, mental confusion, epileptic seizures, ataxia, and consciousness disturbances, and may cause peripheral nerve damage.