Myasthenic crisis includes

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on April 23, 2025
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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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How to treat myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis falls under the category of neurological diseases, characterized as an immune disorder of the nervous system, primarily due to the presence of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors. This leads to impaired transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, resulting in various clinical symptoms. The treatment approaches for myasthenia gravis include the following. Firstly, the use of cholinesterase inhibitors is recommended. These medications increase acetylcholine levels and are effective in improving symptoms. Secondly, patients are treated with corticosteroids, typically starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to maintain for a period before reducing the dose again. Adjustments to medication should always be made under the guidance of a neurologist. Third, if the patient has a thymoma, surgical removal is advised.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis include fluctuating weakness of specific striated muscles that is fatigue-prone. Symptoms are generally milder in the morning and worsen by night, increasing after sustained activity and alleviating after rest. Additionally, some patients may experience ocular muscle weakness, presenting with ptosis and diplopia, which could be among the earliest symptoms. Eye movement disorders may occur, preventing the eyes from looking to one side, and pupil abnormalities may be present. Facial muscle weakness can lead to cheek puffing and air leakage, inability to close the eyes, or asymmetry of the mouth, resembling a forced smile. There may also be weakness in the masticatory muscles, leading to difficulties in chewing and swallowing, potential speech impairments, and coughing when drinking water. Neck muscle weakness may manifest as difficulty in lifting the head. Muscle weakness can affect various limbs, primarily proximally, and respiratory muscle weakness can lead to breathing difficulties and dryness.

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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 Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Will severe myasthenia gravis swallowing difficulties improve?

Myasthenia gravis and difficulty swallowing generally improve with medication treatment. Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease that typically presents with worsened muscle weakness and swallowing difficulties during fatigue. This condition requires targeted pharmacological treatment and further repetitive stimulation, which can involve specific medications and steroids. Swallowing difficulties associated with myasthenia gravis are typical of generalized myasthenia gravis, necessitating active pharmaceutical treatment, which usually has good outcomes. Avoid overworking, staying up too late, smoking, and excessive drinking. It is important to rest sufficiently, ensure ample sleep, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, and consume high-protein, nutritious foods.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.