Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment in South Carolina
Neurology Specialty
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes muscles to become weak and tired quickly. The condition happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks receptors in muscles that receive nerve signals, making it hard for nerves and muscles to talk to each other, which causes muscle weakness that usually gets worse when the person is active and gets better when they rest.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
Symptoms can include:
- Eye muscle weakness – This can cause your eyes to droop or give you double vision
- Facial muscle weakness – This makes it hard to swallow and changes the way your face looks
- Speech problems – Such as slurred or harsh speech
- Limb Weakness – Especially in the arms and legs
- Chronic fatigue – Muscles get tired quickly and may not recover from rest as well as they normally would
- Breathing problems – In severe cases, the muscles that control breathing may be damaged
Myasthenia Gravis can happen at any age and to either gender, though it’s more common in women under 40 and men over 60.
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells by mistake. In particular, it goes after the receptors on muscle cells that nerve cells use to send messages. No one knows for sure why the immune system acts this way in people with Myasthenia Gravis.
Some cases may be caused by problems with the thymus gland, and some people may be more likely to get the disorder because of their genes. In rare cases, the disease can be caused by certain medications or infections.
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment
Myasthenia Gravis is treated differently for each person based on their symptoms and needs. The main goal is to control the symptoms and make life better. Some options for treatment include:
- Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors to improve communication between nerves and muscles, or immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the immune system’s attack on muscle receptors
- Surgical removal of the thymus gland, which can reduce symptoms in some cases known as a thymectomy
- Plasmapheresis is a procedure that filters the blood to remove harmful antibodies.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is an infusion of normal antibodies to alter the immune system response.
- Tailored therapy programs like physical therapy and occupational therapy help maintain muscle strength and functionality
- Lifestyle modifications including rest and stress management
Meningitis Care in South Carolina
Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates is committed to providing comprehensive care for Myasthenia Gravis patients in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC. Our expert team tailors treatment plans combining medications, therapies, and surgical options to meet individual needs.
Understanding and managing Myasthenia Gravis requires specialized care, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you or a loved one is facing this condition, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future with our dedicated healthcare team.