Question

Give 5 long-term non-pharmacological treatments for Myasthenia Gravis. Explain the benefit of each.

Answer 1

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: is an autoimmune disorder affecing the myoneutral junction, characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles. NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT: 1.  THYMECTOMY ( Surgical removal of the THYMUS GLAND). Thymus is located in the upper chest behind the breast bone. A thymectomy can be performed by as open or as a minimally invasive surgery. BENEFITS: Less blood loss, less pain, lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays. 2. PLASMAPHERESIS : It is a filtering process similar to DIALYSIS to remove antibodies that block transmission of signals from nerve endings to receptor sites. Immune globulin is a human blood product pooled from multiple donors who are carefully screened. The side effects includes headache or allergic symptoms. BENEFITS: It usually lasts only a few weeks. 3. INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN: alters immune system response by providing with normal antibodies and then the antibody-free blood is returned to the body along with ablood product called ALBUMIN. This treatment doesnot affect the body's ability to produce more antibodies. It is very expensive BENEFITS: usually lasts no more than three to six weeks. 4.ACCESSORY TREATMENT: During acute myasthenia gravis exacerbations, intensive care therapy with respiratory support is life saving. BENEFITS: Infections can be treated. Physical training ,weight control and sensible life style modifications recommended. SUPPLEMENTAL THERAPIES : a) should eat a HEALTHY DIET and should maintain a HEALTHY WEIGHT. b) EXERCISE will boost their mood as well as the brain and cardiovascular system. c)manage STRESS d)improving the mood with a short time of outdoor exercises like walking and gardening. BENEFITS: active involvement helps to overcome the diseases and stress reduction.