Myasthenia gravis belongs to which department?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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 Bo
Neurology
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Types of myasthenia gravis crisis

Myasthenic crises are categorized into three types, all resulting from worsening conditions or improper treatment, leading to respiratory muscle weakness or paralysis and subsequent difficulty in breathing. The first type occurs due to various triggers or reduction in medication, or after the application of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which temporarily alleviate the crisis, known as the cholinergic crisis. The second type is a result of excessive use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors during a cholinergic crisis. Beyond respiratory difficulties, symptoms may also include signs of toxicity such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pupil constriction, excessive sweating, drooling, increased tracheal secretions, and potential muscle tremors, spasms, as well as anxiety, insomnia, confusion, seizures, and coma. The third type is the paradoxical crisis, where neither ceasing nor increasing medication doses alleviates the symptoms, typically occurring after long-term, high-dose medication use.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Can myasthenia gravis affecting respiration be cured?

Myasthenia gravis affecting respiration can be cured because myasthenia gravis can improve after treatments such as oral medication or plasmapheresis. Another possibility is myasthenia gravis concurrent with a myasthenic crisis, which has various forms, causing respiratory difficulties. At this point, symptomatic treatment is required, including the use of ventilators, intubation, and in severe cases, a tracheotomy. After the critical period on the ventilator passes, respiratory function can improve or the myasthenia can ameliorate.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Myasthenic crisis includes

Myasthenia Gravis, a type of immune inflammatory disease of the nervous system, is mainly caused by the production of abnormal antibodies in the body. Myasthenic crisis can endanger the life safety of patients, affecting respiratory function. There are mainly three types of crises: The first type of crisis is the myasthenic crisis, which is also the most common. Generally, it is caused by the progression of the disease itself, often due to insufficient anticholinesterase drug dosage. The second type of crisis is the cholinergic crisis, caused by an overdose of anticholinesterase drugs, resulting in symptoms like muscle tremors in patients. The third type is the paradoxical crisis, which occurs due to insensitivity to anticholinesterase drugs, leading to severe respiratory difficulties. It is essential to handle a myasthenic crisis promptly, maintain the patient's airway clearance, and use a ventilator for treatment if necessary.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Early symptoms of myasthenia gravis

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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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.