Myasthenia gravis is a chronic lesion of the peripheral neuro-muscular apparatus, which leads to weakness and rapid muscle fatigue. The disease is characterized by a chronic course, and in some cases it is favorable, and in other cases it is extremely aggressive, when vital functions can be disturbed. Women get the disease 3 times more often than men, the average age is 20-30 years. Often the provoking factor is pregnancy.
Patients with this diagnosis should be regularly observed by a neurologist. This will allow us to identify any deviations in the general state of the body.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis
The symptomatology of the disease can be different. Therefore, 3 main forms are distinguished:
- Ocular. Due to the lesion of the cranial nerves, the innervation of the eyelids is disturbed. First one falls down, and then the other. Due to a mechanical obstacle in front of the eyes, there is a double vision of objects. It is difficult to turn the eyes to one side or another.
- Bulbar. Chewing and swallowing muscles are involved. The voice becomes quiet, acquires a nasal tone, the pronunciation of some sounds is disturbed.
- Generalized. The eye muscles are affected first, later the autoimmune process goes down – it affects the muscles of the neck, upper and then lower extremities.
At the first stage, the emerging symptoms are present for a short time, and then independently regress.
The following manifestations help to suspect the disease:
- Episodes of sudden weakness and rapid muscle fatigue, e.g., climbing stairs, brushing, etc.;
- inability to hold up the head, lower extremity;
- double vision;
- drooping of the eyelid;
- excessive ease in swallowing;
- “fading” of the voice, hoarseness;
- slurred speech;
- difficulty chewing hard food, etc.
The disease is progressive, and myasthenia gravis can lead to severe complications. Therefore, in some cases (under the influence of aggressor factors – stress, trauma, infection, surgery) a myasthenic crisis may develop. This condition develops spontaneously, and the symptomatology increases rapidly. In the beginning, the patient notes double vision, after which severe muscle weakness develops. But the greatest danger lies in the fact that the muscles of the larynx become paralyzed.
Complications of myasthenia gravis
There are several variations of complications, including life-threatening ones. However, in most cases they are treatable.
- Myasthenic crisis: occurs spontaneously when the muscles responsible for breathing become too weak to perform this function. The development of respiratory failure is indicated by chest pain and shortness of breath. The condition requires medical attention to ensure breathing with equipment and medication.
- Thymus gland tumors: patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis often have these neoplasms. They are predominantly benign, but can change the nature of the tissue.
- Thyroid malfunction: This organ is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. If thyroid function is reduced, the body uses energy more slowly. An overactive thyroid gland speeds up metabolism and energy is used up too quickly.
- Anemia: can develop due to insufficient absorption of vitamin B12, leading to neurological manifestations and digestive problems.
Myasthenia gravis: life expectancy and prognosis
Previously, myasthenia gravis was considered a serious disease and in 30-40% of cases was fatal. However, the latest diagnostic and treatment methods have fundamentally changed the prognosis. Now the mortality from the disease reaches less than 1%, and about 80% of all patients with correct treatment achieve a stable remission.
Therefore, at the appearance of suspicious symptoms, immediately consult a doctor.
The disease manifests itself in a chronic form, so it requires careful monitoring even after treatment.
Nutritional therapy and lifestyle adjustments
When undergoing treatment, it is important to follow a few guidelines to maintain health and well-being:
- Careful attitude to well-being: try to avoid stress and emotional overload.
- Healthy lifestyle: avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Physical activity: reduce the intensity of physical activity, but do not exclude sports. It is recommended to engage in therapeutic exercise.
- Sun exposure: limit time in the sun, especially in direct sunlight, and avoid extreme heat.
- Nutrition: eat small meals when you feel fit, avoid stringy foods and choose soft consistencies.
- Safety in the home: install handrails and handrails in places where support is needed.
- To-do planning: allocate tasks according to your level of physical strength.
- Diet: include potassium-rich foods in your diet (bananas, avocados, yams, potatoes, spinach, pumpkin and others).
- Rational diet: watch the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. If you are overweight, create a calorie deficit (about 10%) to gradually reduce body weight.
Treatment of myasthenia gravis
The most common treatment for myasthenia gravis is medication. In some cases, removal of the thymus may be indicated, which usually improves the patient’s condition and reduces the need for a large number of drugs.
Therapy is selected depending on the manifestations of the disease. Treatment is usually long and complete recovery is not possible, but remission is achievable.
The main goal of treatment is to correct the condition with medication. If myasthenia gravis develops against the background of a tumor of the thymus gland, radiotherapy or surgery to remove it may be required. Surgery is indicated for patients under 70 years of age with a generalized form of the disease and its active course.
In the course of therapy, the dosage of drugs is gradually reduced, and often the patient’s condition improves so much that the need for drugs disappears.
At the remission stage, it is recommended to carry out massage and physiotherapeutic procedures such as electrophoresis and electromyostimulation. Recovery courses in sanatoriums and resorts are also useful.
Conclusion
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, but with proper treatment and attention to their condition, many people with this diagnosis can achieve long-term remission and live a full life. Although the disease requires constant monitoring, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve prognosis, reduce mortality and minimize symptoms.
The key to the treatment of myasthenia gravis is a comprehensive approach, including drug therapy, physiotherapy, lifestyle and dietary adjustments, as well as timely referral to specialists when the condition worsens. Following the doctor’s recommendations and taking care of your health helps prevent the development of complications and preserve vital functions at the appropriate level.
Regular follow-up with specialists and timely diagnostics remain the most important aspects for controlling the disease and preventing its progression.
