# Myasthenia Gravis

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/neurology-center/myasthenia-gravis/
- Published: 2023-08-19T23:18:19-04:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

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](https://carolinaona.com/neurosurgical-center/) 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](https://carolinaona.com/physical-therapy/)
   and [occupational therapy](https://carolinaona.com/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](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
today and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future with [our dedicated healthcare team](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/).