Home » Myasthenia Gravis treatment » Myasthenia Gravis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Myasthenia Gravis Causes and Treatments

Myasthenia Gravis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Myasthenia gravis (MG) remains one of those clinical neurologic diagnoses, offering a tough challenge when it comes to affecting individuals’ lives, particularly because it causes weakness in skeletal muscles used for body movements. The fact is, this condition disrupts the communication between the nerve cells and muscles, leading to devastating consequences. In this blog post, we will talk about the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments associated with this condition, shining a light on effective interventions offered by various institutions such as Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology & Stroke.

Causes of Myasthenia Gravis:

Myasthenia gravis is mainly considered an autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, in this case, the receptors on muscle cells. There is no exact cause for this autoimmune response, but there are some factors like genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that are believed to play a role in its onset.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis:

The main symptom of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves through rest, a characteristic feature of the disease known as fatigue. This weakness can affect various muscles, including those responsible for facial expressions, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing. Common symptoms may include double vision, drooping eyelids, swallowing and difficulty in chewing, slurred speech, and weakness of the arms and legs if it is severe.

Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis:

There is no cure for myasthenia gravis. However several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms effectively and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. These treatments aim to enhance neuromuscular transmission, suppress the autoimmune response, or both.

Some of the common approaches include:

Medications:

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These help strengthen the muscles by increasing the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the process of muscle contraction.

Immunosuppressants: Medications such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil may be prescribed to decrease the immune system’s harmful response.

Thymectomy:

Surgical removal of the thymus gland, which has been shown to have benefits in some individuals, is mostly of benefit to those with thymoma or younger patients.

Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG):

These procedures involve removing the antibodies from the blood to reduce the autoimmune attack on muscle receptors. Most of the time, it will be temporary or something they do with the most severe cases during exacerbations.

Advanced Interventions at Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology & Stroke:

Organizations like Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology & Stroke stand as beacons of hope for myasthenia gravis patients who need special care and sophisticated interventions. The center is known for full-spectrum stroke care and advanced modalities for neuromuscular diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis, and is at the forefront with its Director, Dr. Somesh Vanchilingam, one of the leaders in the field of interventional neurology.

Through this, the center is thus in a position to render the most possible best care to patients challenged with this condition by having a Neuro ICU and the latest state-of-the-art Biplane Neuro Cath Lab. In summary, Myasthenia Gravis takes its position as one of the most severe cases of neuromuscular diseases, putting great challenges to the affected individuals, hence the frequent limitation of functionality and quality of life. Nevertheless, prompt diagnosis and proper medical management through access to specialized care from institutions such as Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology & Stroke would make such a person better off and have improved well-being.

Blog Reviewed by: Dr. Somesh Vanchilingam

Mail Us: info.vanchilingamhospital@gmail.com

Book Appointment

Book Appointment float

"*" indicates required fields

Full Name*

Book Appointment

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.

Book Appointment popup

"*" indicates required fields

Full Name*