Does myasthenia gravis require hospitalization?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on December 23, 2024
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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 Tang Li Li
Neurology
1min 13sec home-news-image

Can severe myasthenia gravis be cured by massage?

Myasthenia Gravis cannot be treated through massage, as it is an acquired autoimmune disease primarily caused by damage to the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Treatment involves the use of immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and azathioprine. Typically, high doses of corticosteroids are administered to suppress the immune-inflammatory response and reduce the production of acetylcholine receptor antibodies, allowing a sufficient number of acetylcholine receptors to be preserved. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be used to decrease the breakdown of acetylcholine and increase its concentration in the synaptic gap, thus promoting impulse transmission at the neuromuscular junction and improving symptoms of muscle weakness. The most commonly used medications in standard treatment include pyridostigmine, and corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone or prednisolone. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Can myasthenia gravis use non-invasive ventilators?

Myasthenia gravis can be treated with a non-invasive ventilator, and it is generally manageable with medication. Early stages of myasthenia gravis may present with symptoms such as ptosis, poor breathability, respiratory difficulty, worsening symptoms after activity, and increased severity in the evening. Respiratory weakness might require treatment with a non-invasive ventilator. If respiratory weakness does not improve with medication and leads to respiratory failure, it is advisable to use a non-invasive ventilator to improve the patient's symptoms and alleviate difficulties. Respiratory muscle weakness can be life-threatening and requires active treatment.

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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 Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Does myasthenia gravis hurt?

Myasthenia gravis does not cause pain. Initially, patients with myasthenia gravis may feel discomfort such as soreness or swelling in the eyes or limbs, blurred vision, or fatigue. As the condition progresses, skeletal muscles become noticeably fatigued and weak. A significant characteristic is muscle weakness, which worsens after exertion in the afternoon or evening and improves after rest in the morning, known as "morning better, evening worse." Patients with myasthenia gravis can experience involvement of skeletal muscles throughout the body, manifesting as drooping eyelids, blurred vision, double vision, strabismus, restricted eye movements, bland facial expressions, a "forced smile" appearance, speech impairments resembling a thick tongue often accompanied by a nasal sound. Additionally, they may have chewing difficulties, coughing or choking when drinking, swallowing difficulties, trouble raising the head, weak shoulder shrugging, difficulty lifting arms, combing hair, climbing stairs, squatting, and getting into vehicles, primarily due to muscle weakness, which does not lead to pain.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.