Myasthenia Gravis Test Items

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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The difference between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis

These two are distinctly different diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) refers to a motor neuron disease, which is a degenerative neurological condition primarily affecting the upper and lower motor neurons. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as muscle atrophy, muscle twitching, general weakness, as well as potential difficulties in swallowing, articulation disorders, and atrophy of the tongue muscles. The mechanism of this disease is not very clear, symptoms progressively worsen, and there are no effective treatment methods. Neurogenic changes can be observed in electromyography. Myasthenia gravis, on the other hand, is a typical neuromuscular junction disease caused by immune dysfunction. It presents with skeletal muscle fatigue and weakness, typically worsening in the evening. Treatment with immunosuppressants has been shown to be effective.

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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.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.)