Myasthenia Gravis Test Items

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
00:00
00:00

Myasthenia gravis is a common neurological disease, primarily an autoimmune disorder. It typically results in symptoms that are worse in the evening and fluctuate throughout the day, mainly manifesting as limb weakness, double vision, swallowing difficulties, and speech impairments. In severe cases, it can even affect respiration, leading to weakness of the respiratory muscles and necessitating the assistance of a ventilator. The key examinations for myasthenia gravis include: Firstly, a chest CT scan. Many patients with myasthenia gravis have thymic hyperplasia or thymomas, making this scan crucial. Secondly, repetitive nerve stimulation electromyography. This test can detect amplitude decrement in response to stimulation, which is significant for diagnosing the disease. Thirdly, testing for specific antibodies related to myasthenia gravis, such as acetylcholine receptor antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is very important for diagnosis. Additionally, other tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and thyroid function tests are also conducted.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
57sec home-news-image

What is good to eat for myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and post-exertional fatigue. Some patients may also experience clinical symptoms such as ptosis and diplopia. The main treatments include corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Patients with myasthenia gravis should pay attention to their diet: First, consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins that can provide sufficient immunity to prevent certain complications. Second, eat foods high in B vitamins, such as animal liver, lean meat, and whole grains, which are beneficial for patients. Third, patients should also consume high-quality proteins, which provide ample nutrition and increase resistance, including items such as milk, beef, and fish.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 16sec home-news-image

How to alleviate myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the department of neurology and its incidence is not low, it is also relatively common clinically. The treatment of myasthenia gravis mainly includes the following points: First, if patients with myasthenia gravis also have a thymoma, it is recommended to surgically remove the thymoma as soon as possible, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis and reduce the amount of medication needed. Second, provide patients with some medication, mainly some drugs that suppress the immune response, including some corticosteroids. The use of corticosteroids is relatively complex, and must be gradually increased or decreased under the advice of a doctor. Do not stop taking them on your own. There are also some drugs that are cholinesterase inhibitors, which can increase the content of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap, alleviating the patient's symptoms. In addition, research has confirmed that some new immunosuppressive agents can also be used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. In summary, the treatment of myasthenia gravis is a comprehensive subject and must be tailored according to the patient's condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
56sec home-news-image

Can myasthenia gravis be cured completely?

Myasthenia gravis is a relatively common disease in neurology. Whether it can be completely cured mainly depends on the severity of the disease and some of its subtypes. For instance, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis only exhibit symptoms such as ptosis; by using some corticosteroids or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, some patients can be cured. However, there are also patients who experience generalized muscle weakness, which is particularly severe and may even affect the respiratory muscles. These patients need long-term or even lifelong medication to prevent the recurrence of severe myasthenia gravis. Additionally, some patients with myasthenia gravis also have thymomas, and many patients can be cured after the removal of the thymoma. Therefore, most cases of myasthenia gravis cannot be completely cured and require long-term medication, though a small portion might be curable.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
44sec home-news-image

How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed?

Myasthenia gravis is essentially an immunoreactive disease in neurology, primarily caused by immune dysfunction in the body, leading to the production of autoantibodies. These antibodies attack the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, resulting in corresponding clinical symptoms such as ptosis, diplopia, and general fatigue. The examination of myasthenia gravis mainly includes the following aspects: first, the completion of the Tensilon test, and if the test is positive, myasthenia gravis should be considered; second, the examination should include repetitive nerve stimulation electromyography, and if there is a significant decrement in wave amplitude, this disease should be considered; third, relevant blood tests should be conducted, mainly to check for acetylcholine receptor antibodies, as positive results for these antibodies are important in supporting this diagnosis.