Causes of myasthenia, symptoms
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by decreased muscle tone and rapid fatigue. The causes of myasthenia have not yet been studied. In some cases, the pathology occurs against the background of hyperplasia of the thymus gland, systemic connective tissue diseases, and oncology. In such cases, myasthenia is considered as a syndrome. The disease can be acquired or congenital. In women, pathology is diagnosed three times more often.
Congenital form is rare. The disease, as a rule, is transmitted to the child in the womb. In many cases, such children die because their respiratory muscles are atrophied. According to statistics, the diagnosis of congenital myasthenia gravis in children is 1 in 10,000.
The acquired form of the disease can manifest both in adolescence and adulthood. The disease is mainly diagnosed in the period of 20-30 years. There are two forms of the disease: generalized and ocular. The prognosis for a patient with myasthenia gravis is favorable with timely diagnosis and qualified treatment. Eye form flows more easily.
Disease bulbar myasthenia gravis
The disease is characterized by damage to the swallowing and chewing muscles. Such disorders can cause aphagia (inability to swallow). The only way out in this case will be tube feeding. In addition, the patient's voice changes, there are difficulties in pronouncing some sounds. A characteristic symptom is whistling when breathing.
The disease bulbar myasthenia gravis is rare.
Clinical manifestations
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease that progresses steadily, it can occur in the form of myasthenic episodes or in the form of a myasthenic state with pronounced symptoms and short-term remission.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis:
- ptosis and diplopia in the eyes;
- drooling;
- change in voice, disturbance of chewing, coughing when eating;
- difficult breathing;
- change in gait, weakness of limb muscles;
- quick fatigue;
- weakness of neck muscles.
The generalized form of myasthenia is characterized by myasthenic crises characterized by sharp weakness of the respiratory and swallowing muscles. Drooling, tachycardia, loud and whistling breathing are the main symptoms of myasthenic crisis. Such a condition requires immediate medical attention, otherwise a fatal outcome is possible.
Complete information about clinical manifestations and treatment of myasthenia is available on our website Dobrobut.com. You can make an appointment for a consultation by calling the above phone numbers. The reception is conducted by doctors of the highest category.
Diagnosis of ocular myasthenia gravis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor can prescribe the following studies: electromyography and electroneurography, genetic analysis, proserin test, MRI, antibody analysis and special tests for muscle fatigue.
Diagnosis of ocular myasthenia includes: cooling test, decrement test, CT scan of the thymus gland, clinical analysis for the detection of antibodies.
Treatment of pathology
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease that requires constant monitoring and treatment to avoid exacerbation. The basis of treatment is the appointment of anticholinesterase drugs that block cholinesterase (proserin, galantamine, ambenonium). Medicines are used for a long time in compliance with the dosage. Experts advise to alternate drugs. The doctor will provide clearer recommendations by answering in detail the question "Erb Goldflam's myasthenia gravis - what is it?"
Potassium drugs enhance the effect of anticholinesterase agents and improve muscle contraction. In some cases, it is appropriate to prescribe diuretics.
The generalized form requires more serious treatment with the appointment of hormonal agents. A good result is given by pulse therapy with the use of high doses of Metipred (3-5 days).
Antidepressants and B vitamins are recommended as adjunctive therapy.
Myasthenic crisis must be treated in the neurological department of a hospital.
Today, the prognosis of the disease, with the exception of the generalized form, is favorable. Strictly follow the recommendations, avoid excessive physical exertion and treat inflammatory diseases in a timely manner. In case of unpleasant sensations, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.
Prevention of myasthenia gravis
A healthy lifestyle, rational nutrition, the use of vitamin-mineral complexes in the spring-autumn period and vigorous physical activity will be an excellent prevention. If you have a burdened heredity, do not overexert your muscles, avoid direct sunlight and watch your weight.
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