Best Myasthenia Gravis Doctors in Hyderabad

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a relatively rare autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. The root cause of the disease lies in the production of autoantibodies against proteins in the neuromuscular junction, disrupting the normal functioning of muscles. In particular, individuals with MG exhibit autoantibodies against the Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR), Muscle-Specific Tyrosine Kinase (MuSK), and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 4 (LRP4).

In Hyderabad, Myasthenia Gravis is a condition that has been effectively managed by skilled doctors over the years. The doctors treating Myasthenia Gravis at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad are particularly well-known for their expertise in diagnosing and treating this disorder.

Types/Stages of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis varies in severity and symptoms among patients and can be classified into several types:

• Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: This type predominantly affects the muscles controlling eye movement and eyelid function. Common symptoms include drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia).

• Generalised Myasthenia Gravis: This form impacts multiple muscle groups throughout the body, including those crucial for breathing, swallowing, speaking, and limb movements.

• The Osserman Classification: This ranges from Type I (purely ocular symptoms) to Type V (Myasthenic crisis), based on the severity and extent of muscle weakness.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

MG presents with an array of symptoms that can vary among individuals. Common symptoms include:

• Muscle Weakness: Gradual onset often affects facial muscles, arms, and legs.

• Fatigue: Especially noticeable after repetitive activities.

• Ptosis: Droopy eyelids are a common sign.

• Dysarthria: Difficulty speaking due to muscle weakness.

• Diplopia: Double vision, resulting from weakness in the muscles controlling eye movement.

Tests to Diagnose Myasthenia Gravis

At Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, several diagnostic tests are conducted by best doctor for myasthenia gravis to confirm a diagnosis of MG:

• Blood Test: These are conducted to detect specific autoantibodies associated with MG, such as antibodies against Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) or Muscle-Specific Tyrosine Kinase (MuSK).

• Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves controlling them.

• Tensilon Test: Involves injecting the drug edrophonium chloride intravenously, which temporarily relieves weakness in people with MG and improve muscle strength.

• Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans can detect abnormalities or tumours in the thymus gland, located in the chest behind the sternum.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Myasthenia Gravis at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad provides comprehensive treatment options for managing Myasthenia Gravis, guided by specialists in myasthenia gravis:

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These medications increase the amount of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, improving muscle strength.

• Immunosuppressive Therapies: They suppress the immune system's production of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors or other targets at the neuromuscular junction.

• Thymectomy: Surgical removal of the thymus gland is often recommended for patients with MG, especially those under the age of 60 and those with thymoma (tumour of the thymus gland)

• Plasmapheresis: This procedure removes autoantibodies from the blood, relieving symptoms during a myasthenic crisis.