Myasthenia gravis often co-occurs with which diseases?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on November 10, 2024
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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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incidence of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neurology department. Its incidence rate is around one in one hundred thousand. The prevalence rate is around fifty per one hundred thousand. In China, the incidence rate in the south is slightly higher than in the north. This is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system. Generally, it is due to the production of some abnormal antibodies. These antibodies cause dysfunction in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, leading to corresponding clinical manifestations in patients. For example, extreme fatigue after physical activity that can only be alleviated by rest. Patients may also exhibit clinical symptoms such as ptosis, diplopia, and difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, even respiratory muscle weakness may occur, requiring the use of a ventilator. This disease can occur at any age, affecting children as well as elderly men aged 70 to 80. Therefore, correct understanding of this disease and timely treatment are very important.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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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.)

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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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What department is myasthenia gravis under?

Myasthenia gravis, this disease definitely requires registration with the Department of Neurology as it is a relatively common disease in neurology, and doctors in other departments are not particularly familiar with this disease, let alone diagnosis and treatment. Myasthenia gravis is an immune disease of the nervous system, and patients may experience generalized fatigue, which can be alleviated after rest. It is characterized by clinical symptoms that are lighter in the morning and more severe in the evening. Additionally, symptoms such as ptosis, double vision, and even some difficulties in swallowing and unclear speech, known as bulbar paralysis, may occur. This disease requires a thorough chest CT scan, as many patients have an associated thymoma. Furthermore, an electromyography examination is needed to check for antibodies related to myasthenia gravis, which is also important for guiding further treatment.