Can myasthenia gravis be cured completely?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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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Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
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Myasthenia gravis should be seen in the Neurology department.

Patients with myasthenia gravis should consult the department of neurology, as myasthenia gravis is an immune-related neuromuscular junction disorder. Patients often exhibit pathological fatigue, skeletal muscle involvement, and unaffected smooth muscles. The most common type is ocular myasthenia, followed by mild and moderate generalized forms. Adult patients often have thymomas or thymic hyperplasia. Upon diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, it is essential to perform a comprehensive thymic CT scan. If thymic abnormalities are present, referral to thoracic surgery for treatment is needed. If there is no thymic disease, high-dose steroid pulse therapy may be considered. Additionally, it is crucial to determine whether the patient has other coexisting immune abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism or connective tissue disease, and tailor the treatment accordingly.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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If myasthenia gravis is well controlled, will it still recur?

Myasthenia gravis is difficult to control, and even when controlled, it is prone to relapse. The characteristic of myasthenia gravis includes alleviation after rest, and a pattern of alternating episodes and remissions. Since there is no etiological treatment for myasthenia gravis at present, most medications are symptomatic treatments. However, some patients can find relief through plasmapheresis or immunoglobulin therapy, but most patients will experience relapses. Therefore, myasthenia gravis is a disease prone to relapse, and its recurrence is not greatly influenced by how well it is controlled; it depends on the specific circumstances.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Can myasthenia gravis with eyelid drooping be cured?

Myasthenia gravis with ptosis is treatable. The ptosis is a manifestation of myasthenia gravis, which is generally mild. This type of myasthenia gravis is usually treatable with Pyridostigmine. If oral medication is ineffective, using steroids or immunosuppressants can also lead to recovery. This is typically a mild form of myasthenia gravis, so oral medication generally leads to a cure.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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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.