Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relatively rare neuromuscular disorder in which the voluntary muscles become easily fatigued and weak due to a problem with how nerves stimulate muscle contraction. It is an autoimmune disease.

It is a lifelong disease that can be managed with proper treatment, and some patients may also achieve remission. Dr. Rao’s Hospital is one of the most preferred centers for myasthenia gravis treatment in Guntur and Andhra Pradesh.

The state-of-the-art hospital was founded by Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, one of the renowned best neurosurgeons in Guntur. It is fitted with the latest technology and equipment to provide precise and accurate diagnosis and neurosurgical treatment.

Dr. Rao is counted among the best myasthenia gravis doctor in Guntur for his evidence-based treatment and vast experience in dealing with the complex neurological disorder with a positive outcome.

The most common sign of myasthenia gravis is weakness in the voluntary skeletal muscles, or muscles that you can control. Muscles that are unable to respond to nerve impulses are unable to contract normally.

The communication between nerve and muscle is disrupted when the impulse is not transmitted correctly, resulting in weakness. If left untreated, the severity of the symptoms will usually worsen with time.

The condition usually worsens with increased activity and improves with rest. Myasthenia gravis symptoms can include:

• Drooping of eyelids
• Facial paralysis
• Trouble talking
• Hoarse voice
• Problems lifting objects and walking upstairs
• Fatigue
• Double vision
• Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
• Difficulty in breathing due to weakness in muscles

Dr. Rao, an experienced neurologist in Guntur, will conduct a thorough physical evaluation and take a detailed history of your symptoms. He will also perform a neurological exam.

Other than this, he may ask you to undergo some tests, such as:

• MRI or CT scan to rule out a tumor
• Blood test or CSF test for antibodies related to myasthenia gravis
• Repetitive nerve stimulation test
• Edrophonium test

Myasthenia gravis has no known cure. Dr. Rao, a proficient neurologist in Guntur, will provide treatment according to the severity of your problem. The treatment aims to manage your immune system’s activity and manage your symptoms.

Different treatment options are available at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, one of the best neurology hospital in Guntur.

Medication – The immune system can be suppressed using corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. These drugs help to reduce the abnormal immunological response that occurs in myasthenia gravis patients.

Additionally, cholinesterase inhibitors can be administered to improve nerve-muscle communication like Pyridostigmine.

Removal of the thymus gland – Many patients with myasthenia gravis may benefit from removing the thymus gland, which is part of the immune system. Patients usually show less muscle weakness after the surgery.

A tumor in the thymus affects 10 to 15% of people with myasthenia gravis. The doctor will remove the tumor even if it is benign because it can become cancerous.

Plasmapheresis- Plasmapheresis, also called plasma exchange, clears the blood of harmful antibodies, leading to an increase in muscle strength.

The benefits from this treatment is for a brief period as the harmful antibodies continue to be produced by the body, and weakness may recur. However, plasma exchange is beneficial before surgery or when you experience extreme weakness due to myasthenia gravis.

Intravenous immunoglobulin –This treatment provides normal antibodies to your body, altering your immune system’s response. Positive results usually appear within a week and extend for three to six weeks.

People with myasthenia gravis may be unable to participate in activities they enjoy due to weakness and exhaustion. This could result in depression.

A myasthenic crisis or severe respiratory muscle-weakening affects up to one in every five patients with myasthenia gravis. To help them breathe, they may require a respirator or other therapies. It is a medical emergency that could be life-threatening. Muscle weakness, infections, fevers, and drug reactions can all lead to a crisis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that is characterized by varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. The predominant symptom of MG is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves with rest.

There are two main types of MG: generalized MG (gMG) and ocular MG (oMG). gMG is the more common form of the disease, affecting both men and women of all ages. oMG is a less common form of MG that primarily affects women under the age of 40.

There is no cure for MG, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.

Generalized MG
gMG is the more common form of MG, affecting both men and women of all ages. The symptoms of gMG can vary from mild to severe, and they may come and go. The most common symptom of gMG is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves with rest.

Other symptoms of gMG may include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• blurred vision

gMG is typically diagnosed based on the presence of muscle weakness and other characteristic symptoms. A variety of tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Blood tests
• Muscle biopsy
• Edrophonium test
• Tensilon test

There is no cure for gMG, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Medications
• Surgery
• Plasma exchange
• Immunotherapy

Ocular MG
oMG is a less common form of MG that primarily affects women under the age of 40. The symptoms of oMG are typically milder than those of gMG, and they tend to be limited to the muscles around the eyes.

The most common symptom of oMG is muscle weakness that causes drooping of the eyelids (ptosis). Other symptoms of oMG may include:

• Diplopia
• Difficulty moving the eyes
• Muscle weakness in the face

oMG is typically diagnosed based on the presence of muscle weakness and other characteristic symptoms. A variety of tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Blood tests
• Muscle biopsy
• Edrophonium test
• Tensilon test

There is no cure for oMG, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Medications
• Surgery
• Plasma exchange
• Immunotherapy

Conclusion:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that is characterized by varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. There are two main types of MG: generalized MG (gMG) and ocular MG (oMG). gMG is the more common form of the disease, affecting both men and women of all ages. oMG is a less common form of MG that primarily affects women under the age of 40. There is no cure for MG, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.

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