Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

Ways to Treat the Neuromuscular Disease Myasthenia Gravis

Mar 17, 2007 Jennifer Gerics

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease that involves the weakening of muscles. Fortunately, the disorder is treatable.

Treatment for myasthenia gravis can include the following:

Thymectomy, or removal of the thymus gland, which can reduce or eradicate symptoms in a majority of patients

Plasmapheresis, or the transfer of healthy antibodies (from donor blood) and the removal of abnormal antibodies (done intravenously)

Neostigmine or pyridostigmine, two medications which improve muscle strength by increasing the body's neuromuscular transmission

Immunosuppressive drugs, such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine, which suppress the overactive immune system

Respiratory intervention, which includes hospitalization, if a severe case affects the muscles that control breathing (less common)

Myasthenia gravis can be treated and hence lived with. Severe cases are more rare, and with good intervention and treatment, people with myasthenia gravis can expect to live normal lives. For further reference: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis.

****For related information about facial weakness, see Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis, Bell's Palsy, Bell's Palsy Diagnosis/Treatment, Bell's Palsy Symptoms, Bell's Palsy Lookalike?, and RH Syndrome:Diagnosis/Treatment.

****For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.

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