Can myasthenia gravis be cured completely?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can myasthenia gravis be cured?

Myasthenia gravis is a type of disease in the field of neurology and is categorized as an autoimmune disorder of the nervous system. Generally, this disease tends to recur easily, and it is somewhat difficult to cure completely. However, there is a subtype called ocular myasthenia gravis, where patients only show symptoms of eyelid drooping or double vision. In this type, some patients can be cured, typically around 30%. However, most patients still experience recurrent episodes, and the condition may even progress to a generalized form. Other forms of myasthenia gravis are usually more severe, involving generalized weakness and potentially difficulties in swallowing or choking on liquids. Patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and can be treated with immunosuppressants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to control the symptoms, though long-term medication is generally required.

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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.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a group of neuromuscular junction disorders and is also an autoimmune disease of the nervous system. It primarily involves the production of certain antibodies in the body that attack the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. This results in the inability of nerve impulses to be effectively transmitted to the muscles, causing the muscles to lose neural control, leading to weakness of the limbs. This weakness is typically more pronounced in the evening than in the morning, with symptoms being lighter upon waking and worsening in the afternoon. As the disease is caused by an autoimmune response, a major focus of treatment is to suppress this abnormal immune reaction, primarily through the administration of corticosteroids. Additionally, many patients with myasthenia gravis also exhibit thymus abnormalities, necessitating thorough CT examinations of the thymus.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Can myasthenia gravis with eyelid drooping be cured?

Myasthenia gravis with ptosis is treatable. The ptosis is a manifestation of myasthenia gravis, which is generally mild. This type of myasthenia gravis is usually treatable with Pyridostigmine. If oral medication is ineffective, using steroids or immunosuppressants can also lead to recovery. This is typically a mild form of myasthenia gravis, so oral medication generally leads to a cure.