Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness.

Types of Myasthenia gravis

There are typically 3 main types recognised, based on which muscle groups are most affected:

• Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: Weakness is limited solely to the muscles that control the eyes and eyelids.
• Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Affects a combination of ocular muscles, as well as muscles in the arms, legs, neck, and torso.
• Bulbar Myasthenia Gravis: Specifically impacts the muscles responsible for swallowing, speaking, and chewing.

Signs and Symptoms:

• drooping eyelids
• double vision
• difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking.
• Weakness in the neck, making it difficult to hold the head up.
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects

Symptoms typically worsen with activity and improve with rest.

Traditional Etiology

Myasthenia gravis can be classed as a type of Paralysis, from a traditional viewpoint, or as a weakness or deficiency syndrome.

From a Humoral stance it is the type of pattern that would be associated with Phlegm Obstructing the Vital Spirit (Qi). TCM views it as either a Wind-Damp syndrome, or Deficiency (Qi / Kidney / Essence) syndrome.

Treatment

Modern medicine uses Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (typically Pyridostigmine) to help increase the amount of acetylcholine available, while immunosuppressants reduce antibody production. Plasma exchange or Thymectomy may be recommended in acute or severe cases.

Traditional medicine will typically use Nerve stimulants, especially Nux Vomica, medicines that treat Wind-Damp, or medicines that nourish Qi. It should be noted that most Chinese trials of Chinese formulas typically included that concurrent use of Pyridostigmine.

Special Formula:

Research:

Chinese herbal medicine for myasthenia gravis