What medicine should be taken for myasthenia gravis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on March 12, 2025
00:00
00:00

Myasthenia gravis is a type of neurological immunological disease in neurology, mainly caused by a disorder of the body's own immune function. Patients in the body will produce antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, thus affecting the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction. For this disease, the following medications are generally prescribed: The first type of medication is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which can increase the amount of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby effectively improving clinical symptoms. The second type of medication is corticosteroids, because this disease is caused by an abnormal inflammatory response. Therefore, taking corticosteroids can suppress the inflammatory response. Treatment generally starts with a small dose and gradually increases, maintaining for a period before gradually tapering off. It may also be necessary to take other immunosuppressants. (Please take the medication under the guidance of a doctor)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
59sec home-news-image

Myasthenia Gravis should be seen by which department?

Myasthenia gravis is considered a neurological disease, so if myasthenia gravis is suspected, it is advisable to consult a neurologist. Neurologists are quite familiar with myasthenia gravis, especially those who specialize in its research. They are particularly knowledgeable about diagnosing and treating this disease. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness in the body. The symptoms typically worsen towards the evening and include pathological fatigue. Muscle weakness usually improves after rest. Clinical manifestations also include ptosis, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and coughing while drinking. Neurologists may prescribe various diagnostic tests such as electromyography, chest CT scans, and tests for acetylcholine receptor antibodies.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Does myasthenia gravis cause sensitivity to cold?

Patients with myasthenia gravis tend to be sensitive to cold, mainly due to the following factors: Firstly, patients with myasthenia gravis generally experience overall weakness and have very limited physical activity, making their physique rather frail. Patients with a weak physique are definitely more susceptible to colder environments. Secondly, patients with myasthenia gravis have lower resistance to diseases and often take immunosuppressants for a long time, making them highly susceptible to respiratory and lung infections. In cold conditions, some viruses can exploit this weakness, leading to exacerbated lung and respiratory infections, which is another major reason why patients with myasthenia gravis are sensitive to cold. Thirdly, myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that leads to immune dysfunction. This immune dysfunction makes patients particularly sensitive to cold stimuli. In a cold environment, their immune function may become even more disordered, contributing further to their sensitivity to cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
42sec home-news-image

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.

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 Tang Bo
Neurology
48sec home-news-image

Myasthenia Gravis Best Treatment

The treatment of myasthenia gravis should also be individualized, specifically based on the actual condition of the patient. First and foremost, a clear diagnosis is essential. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, cholinesterase inhibitors can be used, but the dosage and frequency must be decided based on the patient's individual condition. Additionally, if the patient has a thymoma or thymic hyperplasia, a surgeon should determine whether surgical treatment is necessary. It is also necessary to consider whether to use steroids or plasmapheresis. In the event of a myasthenic crisis, symptomatic treatment should be provided according to the situation to maintain the patient's vital signs, and it is crucial to diagnose and treat early.