What department is myasthenia gravis under?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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Myasthenia gravis, this disease definitely requires registration with the Department of Neurology as it is a relatively common disease in neurology, and doctors in other departments are not particularly familiar with this disease, let alone diagnosis and treatment. Myasthenia gravis is an immune disease of the nervous system, and patients may experience generalized fatigue, which can be alleviated after rest. It is characterized by clinical symptoms that are lighter in the morning and more severe in the evening. Additionally, symptoms such as ptosis, double vision, and even some difficulties in swallowing and unclear speech, known as bulbar paralysis, may occur. This disease requires a thorough chest CT scan, as many patients have an associated thymoma. Furthermore, an electromyography examination is needed to check for antibodies related to myasthenia gravis, which is also important for guiding further treatment.

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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Where should I go for treatment of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is classified as a neurology disease. Therefore, patients should visit the neurology department for medical consultation. Fundamentally, it is an immune disorder of the nervous system characterized by the production of abnormal antibodies. These antibodies affect the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, thereby impacting the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction, which leads to various clinical symptoms. Patients may experience ptosis, double vision, and potentially compromised swallowing function, causing overall weakness. Symptoms typically worsen towards the evening. Many patients also present with thymus abnormalities. Treatment generally involves oral medications, predominantly corticosteroids and cholinesterase inhibitors.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Patients with myasthenia gravis should pay attention to certain things.

People with myasthenia gravis should primarily avoid fatigue in their daily lives, as symptoms can flare up when tired. Symptoms are generally milder in the morning and become more severe in the evening or night due to fatigue. Therefore, it is important to maintain a regular routine and schedule to avoid becoming too fatigued. Additionally, catching a cold or fever can worsen the condition, so it is crucial to try to avoid these issues. Regarding medication, it is essential to take it regularly, for example, every eight hours if taken three times a day. Proper timing and dosage control are important. If severe myasthenia gravis crises occur, they can be very problematic.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Myasthenia gravis should see which department?

Myasthenia gravis is a common disease in neurology, so when visiting the hospital, it is definitely necessary to see a neurologist. Neurologists have certain experience in diagnosing and treating this disease. This disease is classified as a neuromuscular junction disorder, mainly caused by the production of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors in the body. This leads to the nerve impulses not being effectively transmitted to the muscles, resulting in clinical manifestations. Patients' symptoms include improvement in the morning and worsening in the evening, fluctuating symptoms, and may present with drooping eyelids, double vision, general weakness, and some patients may also experience difficulty swallowing and speech disorders.

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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.