Myasthenia Gravis

What is Myasthenia Gravis and how to manage it?

About:

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and rapid fatigue of the skeletal muscles.

Between 10-15% people with MG will have a tumor in their thymus.[1]

-Medical Diagnosis Required
-Requires Lab Tests or Imaging
-Chronic, can last for a lifetime
-No cure available, but treatment can help with managing the symptoms

MG occurs when communications between nerve cells and muscles become impaired. This prevents crucial muscles from contracting. It is usually caused by autoimmune problems.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of MG include:
- Trouble talking
- Problem walking up stairs or lifting objects
- Facial Paralysis
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Fatigue
- Hoarse voice
- Drooping Eyelids
- Double Vision

Treatment:

There is no cure for Myasthenia Gravis. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and managing your immune system.

Self-care:
Following lifestyle changes can help:
- Get plenty of rest
- Consider wearing an eye patch for double vision
- Avoid exposure to heat and stress

Medication:
- Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressants can help minimize abnormal immune system response.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors like pyridostigmine can help improve nerve communication.
- Intravenous Immune Globulin can be used to treat autoimmune MG.
- Plasma exchange, also known as Plasmapheresis, is used to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
- Thymus removal may be carried out for treatment or if the tumor is present. Patients show lesser signs of muscle weaknesses post thymus removal.

Specialists:
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder that may be chronic. Though direct cure is not available, effective treatment can help manage the disorder to a great extent. Feel free to consult our doctors at mfine for professional advice pertaining to any symptoms or health issues that you may face.