Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

The treatment of myasthenia gravis is possible only after its correct diagnosis. The doctor first needs to understand exactly muscles of which part of the body are affected. The doctor then, adopts the required method of treatment which can either be through medications or surgery. The medication may commonly include cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants. These drugs help in reduction of autoimmune processes. Neostigmine and pyridostigmine are acetylecholiesterase inhibitors that enhance muscle function by discouraging down the enzyme cholinesterase activity. This enzyme is responsible for degrading acetylcholine. Initially, very low doses of the drugs are administered. The dosage is increased in accordance with the response.

Immunosuppresant drugs that comprise of prednisone and azathioprine are given to the patient for treatment of myasthenia gravis. These drugs are given in combination with other drugs that inhibit cholinesterase. As the patient starts with these medications, he should not expect sudden relief because they may take enough time like weeks or months before showing their effect. If the myasthenia case is severe then plasmapheresis may be given for removal of the culprit antibody from circulation. If these antibodies are not removed they are made to bind with the help of immunoglubulins that are administered intravenously.

When treatment of myasthenia gravis does not seem to be achieved through medications, surgery is performed. Thymectomy is the type of surgery that is performed to remove thymus. It is though, not necessary that it would work in every case. There are various approaches of this surgery through which the objective can be achieved. The ultimate objective of the treatment is relieving muscles from getting tired abnormally and enhancing their normal function. The treatment may take time depending upon the case. Some patients may not need medications for longer periods whereas some may require them for longer. Except in severe cases, the patients may expect a normal lifestyle after the treatment.