Myasthenia gravis should be seen in the Neurology department.

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Patients with myasthenia gravis should consult the department of neurology, as myasthenia gravis is an immune-related neuromuscular junction disorder. Patients often exhibit pathological fatigue, skeletal muscle involvement, and unaffected smooth muscles. The most common type is ocular myasthenia, followed by mild and moderate generalized forms. Adult patients often have thymomas or thymic hyperplasia. Upon diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, it is essential to perform a comprehensive thymic CT scan. If thymic abnormalities are present, referral to thoracic surgery for treatment is needed. If there is no thymic disease, high-dose steroid pulse therapy may be considered. Additionally, it is crucial to determine whether the patient has other coexisting immune abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism or connective tissue disease, and tailor the treatment accordingly.

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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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Is it dangerous to have a fever with myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction, essentially an autoimmune inflammatory response that causes generalized weakness and fatigue of the skeletal muscles, with symptoms that are less severe in the morning and worsen by the evening, and fluctuate over time. The weakness can be alleviated by rest. When patients with myasthenia gravis develop a fever, it is generally considered to be caused by an infection, perhaps a viral infection such as an upper respiratory tract infection, which can also induce fever. In such cases, the main treatment involves drinking plenty of water and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits. If necessary, some antiviral medications and antipyretics may be administered. If the fever is due to a bacterial infection, symptomatic treatment should be accompanied by the appropriate antibiotics. However, the choice of antibiotics must be made with caution. Patients with myasthenia gravis should not use aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones, as these could exacerbate their condition. Penicillins or cephalosporins may be used instead. (Please consult a professional physician for specific medication guidance.)

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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.

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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.

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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.