Does myasthenia gravis cause sensitivity to cold?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Myasthenia Gravis Test Items

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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Myasthenia gravis often co-occurs with which diseases?

Myasthenia gravis is a type of autoimmune disease of the nervous system, mainly caused by the production of abnormal antibodies in the body. These antibodies affect the acetylcholine receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, thereby impacting the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction. Being an autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis usually coincides with the following conditions: The first major category is thymus diseases, with most patients experiencing thymic hyperplasia, and particularly, there may be cases of thymoma. If there is a thymoma, it is advised to undergo surgical treatment promptly. The second major category may involve hyperthyroidism, so it is essential to test thyroid function. Thirdly, some patients may also test positive for antinuclear antibodies, which requires careful differential diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does myasthenia gravis require hospitalization?

Myasthenia Gravis is a type of neuroimmune disease within the field of neurology which fundamentally stems from issues with the patient's own immune function. Whether hospitalization is necessary depends critically on the severity of the disease. If Myasthenia Gravis manifests only as ocular symptoms, such as ptosis and double vision, hospitalization is generally not necessary. It is important to take certain medications, primarily cholinesterase inhibitors and corticosteroids, but regular outpatient follow-ups are essential. However, if Myasthenia Gravis is generalized, with noticeable whole-body weakness, particularly if accompanied by swallowing difficulties and coughing while drinking, hospitalization is required. If a myasthenic crisis occurs, presenting with respiratory muscle weakness and breathing difficulties, hospitalization is certainly needed, and admission to the ICU might be necessary.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Can people with myasthenia gravis eat mangoes?

Patients with myasthenia gravis can eat mangoes and should consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Mangoes are rich in flesh and fiber, and they taste sweet. They can help reduce cholesterol, quench thirst, promote blood circulation, improve circulation, and provide vitamins. Therefore, if patients with myasthenia gravis are not allergic to mangoes, they can include them in their diet. Mangoes contain a high amount of vitamins and are very nutritious. They also help facilitate bowel movements. Patients with myasthenia gravis should maintain a light diet, consuming foods that are high in protein, nutrition, and vitamins, and avoid spicy, stimulating, and exciting foods.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Acupuncture treatment for myasthenia gravis

Patients with myasthenia gravis suffer from a systemic autoimmune disease, primarily affecting the neuromuscular junctions, which leads to corresponding clinical manifestations. The essence of the disease is caused by immune dysfunction, where the body produces specific antibodies that affect the transmission of impulses. Patients typically experience general weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, and in severe cases, weakened respiratory muscles leading to respiratory paralysis. The treatment of myasthenia gravis mainly involves medication, including corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and other immunosuppressants. Additionally, there are some newer drugs that modulate the immune system. Acupuncture treatment, as an important method of traditional Chinese medicine, can also be used in the management of myasthenia gravis, primarily to improve the patients' resistance, enhance physical constitution, and play a significant role in preventing complications and reducing the dosage of other medications. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)