Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic neuromuscular condition, an autoimmune disorder wherein abnormal antibodies impair the communication between nerves and muscles. It is characterised by the weakening of skeletal muscles of the body such as those controlling the movement of eyes, limbs, throat, and mouth. The onset of this condition may be sudden and the extent of muscle weakness varies greatly among individuals.
Arete Hospitals is one of the best multi specialty hospitals for diagnosis and Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis in Hyderabad. It has a neurology department that staffs top-notch neurologists who take the best possible, comprehensive care of patients with Myasthenia Gravis. The Neurologists in Hyderabad work in collaboration with other medical specialists to ensure successful treatment and recovery.
Benefits of Myasthenia Gravis Treatment
- If Myasthenia Gravis gets successfully treated, the outlook of most patients becomes bright. They experience a remarkable improvement in their weak muscles and they can expect to lead a life of better quality.
- For some patients, there could be temporary remission of Myasthenia Gravis and muscle weakness may completely disappear so that there could be discontinued intake of medications.
- Thymectomy focuses on providing the patients with long-term, stable, and complete remissions.
Myasthenia Gravis Causes
The definite cause of Myasthenia Gravis is still under research. However, there could be some reasons behind its occurrence. Generally, the condition develops late in life when antibodies circulating in the blood attack normal receptors in the muscles. This results in blockage of the release of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine).
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that bind to receptors at the nerve-muscle junction and stimulate muscle contraction. The antibodies can even block the MuSK (muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase) protein that’s responsible for the formation of nerve-muscle junction and thus contribute to myasthenia gravis.
Medical researchers believe that the thymus gland can make or help produce the antibodies that block nerve-to-muscle transmission.
Myasthenia Gravis can affect any individual irrespective of their gender, age, race, and ethnicity. However, Myasthenia Gravis patients are mostly young adult females (aged below 40 years) and older men (aged above 60 years). The condition is neither inheritable nor contagious. Still, there are occasional cases wherein the condition may be experienced by more than one family member.
Myasthenia Gravis is rarely diagnosed in infants. But there exists neonatal myasthenia when the foetus of a pregnant woman acquires antibodies from her. This is usually temporary and the symptoms of the infants usually subsides within 2-3 months of their birth.
For more details get in touch with Best Doctors For Myasthenia Gravis Treatment in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis include:
- Visionary issues, including diplopia (double vision) and ptosis (droopy eyelids)
- Difficulty in swallowing or pronouncing some words
- Weakness in the fingers, hands, arms, neck, and legs
- A mask-like appearance due to the involvement of facial muscles; a smile appears more like a snarl
- Early fatigue and muscle weakness that may rapidly vary in intensity over hours or days and get worse with more muscular movements
- Ocular myasthenia (weakening of eye muscles)
- Breath shortness/ difficulty in breathing
- Dysarthria- impaired speech
- Respiratory failure (in severe cases).
These symptoms may resemble symptoms of other medical conditions. Therefore, it’s always advised to visit a Best Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Doctor in Hyderabad for diagnosis. During myasthenia gravis, flare-ups and remissions (easing of symptoms) may occur from time to time. Remissions of myasthenia gravis are rarely complete or permanent.
Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms and certain tests. A physical exam is needed to review the patient’s medical history and look at their symptoms. In addition, a neurological exam is required to check for muscle tone and strength, sense of touch, coordination, and impairment of eye movements.
One commonly used approach to diagnose myasthenia gravis is to test how the patient responds to the use of certain medications. For instance, intake of anticholinesterase medicine can dramatically improve muscle weakness. This confirms Myasthenia Gravis.
Other diagnostic tests that may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis include:
- Edrophonium test- This is done to test for eye muscle weakness and make use of edrophonium chloride injections to get temporary relief from weakness. Edrophonium chloride blocks the acetylcholine breakdown and temporarily increases acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction.
- Blood test- It is performed to detect unusually elevated levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies or anti-MuSK antibodies that are present in the blood of Myasthenia Gravis patients.
- Nerve conduction study- A repetitive nerve stimulation is done to check the speed of transmission of electrical signals through a nerve to the muscles. It is performed in adjunct with electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles for any abnormality caused by diseases and neuromuscular conditions.
- Genetic test- It is performed to rule out medical conditions running in the patient’s family.
- Imaging tests- A CT scan or MRI of the chest of the patient may help look for thymoma.
- Lung function testing- This is done to measure the patient’s breathing strength and predict if there is a failure of respiration leading to a myasthenic crisis.
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment in Hyderabad
Myasthenia Gravis can be treated in several ways. The specific treatment is determined by the Neurologist in Hyderabad based on some criteria. These include the age of the patient, the severity of the condition, the patient’s general health and medical history, how well the patient handles specific procedures, medicines, or therapies, and the patient’s opinion and preference.
Myasthenia Gravis treatment is mainly performed to restore the normal functioning of muscles and prevent breathing problems and swallowing. The treatment options may include:
Medications
Certain immunosuppressive medications, anticholinesterase medicines, or steroids may be prescribed to patients diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.
Plasmapheresis in Hyderabad
This therapy involves the removal of abnormal antibodies from the blood of patients living with Myasthenia Gravis. It is followed by the replacement of the blood with donated blood containing normal antibodies.
Thymectomy in Hyderabad
This is a surgery designed to remove the thymus gland. The function of the thymus gland in myasthenia gravis patients is not completely understood. Thymectomy may or may not help improve symptoms. However, it can reduce symptoms in more than 70% of patients without a cancerous thymus. It is possible by alteration of immune system response.
Immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin (antibody) is a blood product that is intravenously provided to the patient with Myasthenia Gravis to reduce the attack of the immune system on the nervous system.
To obtain detailed information on Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Cost in Hyderabad, please contact Arete Hospitals experts for accurate and up-to-date pricing.
1. What is the Myasthenia crisis?
A Myasthenia crisis is a medical emergency wherein the patient needs a respirator for assisted ventilation. This complication of Myasthenia Gravis occurs when respiratory muscles involved in controlling breathing become extremely weak to the extent that there is inadequate ventilation. It may be triggered by fever, an infection, emotional stress, or serious side effects of a medication.
2. Can Myasthenia Gravis be cured?
No. Myasthenia Gravis is a non-curable medical condition that stays with the patient for lifelong. However its symptoms can often be controlled or managed if detected early.
3. Is Myasthenia Gravis preventable?
There is no preventive measure for Myasthenia Gravis. Those who are diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis can take steps to avoid worsening the condition by controlling and managing its symptoms. Infections can be prevented by avoiding coming in contact with sick people and practising careful hygiene. Patients must have immediate treatment of respiratory infections, avoid overexertion of their body, manage stress, and avoid extreme temperatures. Besides, they must take proper nutrition and exercise to maintain muscle strength and optimal weight. All these steps can safeguard patients from myasthenia crisis.
4. What factors can worsen Myasthenia Gravis's condition?
The factors that contribute to the worsening of symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis include fatigue, stress, surgery, infection/illness, pregnancy, menstrual periods, and some medications such as certain anaesthetics, quinine (Qualaquin), beta-blockers, quinidine gluconate, phenytoin (Dilantin), quinidine sulphate, and some antibiotics.
5. What foods should I avoid after getting diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis patients must avoid intake of dry/crunchy and salty foods, bread products, processed foods such as baked beans, canned vegetables, and tough meat.
For expert care in Myasthenia Gravis, reach out to Arete Hospitals. Myasthenia Gravis Specialists / Doctors in Hyderabad provide top-notch treatment and support. Book a visit now!
