Best Myasthenia Gravis Doctors in Chennai

Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disease, affects the neuromuscular junction by generating autoantibodies against post-synaptic proteins. These disrupt the neuromuscular transmission, causing skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. This disorder results from an abnormal immune response that forms autoantibodies and destroys neuromuscular junction components. Predominantly, its occurrence is sporadic but certain genetic factors can predispose one to MG.

Apollo Hospitals in Chennai have myasthenia gravis specialists and highly skilled doctors for myasthenia gravis who are equipped to diagnose and treat this complex disorder effectively. Indeed, the best doctor for myasthenia gravis can be found in Chennai's Apollo Hospitals.

Types/Stages of Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis manifests in different stages and types based on severity and symptom distribution. These include:

• Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG): This type only affects the eye muscles, causing drooping eyelids and double vision.

• Generalised Myasthenia Gravis: This type involves multiple muscle groups including those for breathing, swallowing, and limb movement.

• Osserman Classification: This system has five categories based on symptom severity, ranging from purely ocular symptoms to a life-threatening condition known as a myasthenic crisis.

Symptoms of Myasthenia gravis

The signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary greatly depending on the disease stage. Some common symptoms include:

• Muscle Weakness: It usually affects the face, arms, and legs with a gradual onset.

• Fatigue: Muscle fatigue noticeable after repetitive activities.

• Ptosis: Drooping eyelids.

• Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing.

Tests to Diagnose Myasthenia gravis

To diagnose myasthenia gravis, the best doctors for myasthenia gravis at Apollo Hospitals may suggest:

• Antibody Blood Test: To check for the presence of abnormal antibodies.

• Electromyography (EMG): To measure the electrical activity of muscles.

• Muscle Imaging: To assess muscle weakness and damage.

• Pulmonary Function Tests: To gauge the effect on respiratory muscles.

• Tensilon Test: To assess the effect of certain medications on muscle strength.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Myasthenia gravis at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

At Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, patients can access a variety of treatment options implemented by some of the best myasthenia gravis specialists. These include:

• Medications: Cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressive therapies are used to improve muscle strength and suppress autoantibody production, respectively.

• Biological Agents: These target specific immune cells involved in autoantibody production.

• Thymectomy: The surgical removal of the thymus gland, often abnormal in MG patients, is an effective solution provided by some of the best myasthenia gravis surgeons at Apollo Hospitals.

• Plasmapheresis: An effective procedure that helps alleviate symptoms during a myasthenic crisis by removing autoantibodies from the blood.