Myasthenia Gravis (cont.)
What is the prognosis?
With treatment, the outlook for most patients with myasthenia gravis is bright: they will have significant improvement of their muscle weakness and they can expect to lead normal or nearly normal lives. Some cases of myasthenia gravis may go into remission temporarily and muscle weakness may disappear completely so that medications can be discontinued. Stable, long-lasting complete remissions are the goal of thymectomy. In a few cases, the severe weakness of myasthenia gravis may cause a crisis (respiratory failure), which requires immediate emergency medical care. (see above).
What research is being done?
Within the Federal Government, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), one of the Federal Government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), has primary responsibility for conducting and supporting research on myasthenia gravis.
Much has been learned about myasthenia gravis in recent years. Technological advances have led to more timely and accurate diagnosis, and new and enhanced therapies have improved management of the disorder. Much knowledge has been gained about the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction, the fundamental aspects of the thymus gland and of autoimmunity, and the disorder itself. Despite these advances, however, there is still much to learn. The ultimate goal of myasthenia gravis research is to increase scientific understanding of the disorder. Researchers are seeking to learn what causes the autoimmune response in myasthenia gravis, and to better define the relationship between the thymus gland and myasthenia gravis.
Today's myasthenia gravis research includes a broad spectrum of studies conducted and supported by NINDS. NINDS scientists are evaluating new and improving current treatments for the disorder. One such study is testing the efficacy of intravenous immune globlin in patients with myasthenia gravis. The goal of the study is to determine whether this treatment safely improves muscle strength. Another study seeks further understanding of the molecular basis of synaptic transmission in the nervous system. The objective of this study is to expand current knowledge of the function of receptors and to apply this knowledge to the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Next: Where can I get more information? »
- azathioprine, Imuran, Azasan - Depicts the medication azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), a drug used used to inhibit the immune response that causes rejection of kidney transplants, and treat immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Electromyogram (EMG) - EMG (electromyogram) can detect abnormal muscle electrical activity in conditions such as neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, herniated discs, peripheral nerve damage, ALS, and more.
- ephedrine-oral - Consumer information about the medication EPHEDRINE - ORAL , includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug EPHEDRINE - ORAL.
Latest Medical News
Neurology RSS