Myasthenia Gravis

Chronic muscle weakness can be a debilitating side effect of myasthenia gravis. If you have difficulties swallowing, chewing food, or caring for yourself because of weak muscles, you may be a candidate for the intravenous (IV) infusion therapies available at Bioinfusion Center.  The latest medications are available to improve your immune system health. Cindy Crosby, MSN, FNP, CCRN, CRNI, and the team also offer vitamin therapies and other treatments to help you feel your best. Call the Farmington Hills, Michigan, office today to schedule a myasthenia gravis consultation or book an appointment online.

What is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that interferes with nerve signal communication between the brain and muscles.

Typically, your nerves release neurotransmitters that travel into muscle cells (receptors) to transmit information from the brain to the muscles. Myasthenia gravis causes an abnormal immune system response that produces antibodies that attack neuromuscular receptors, leading to muscle weakness and other symptoms.

People of any age can develop myasthenia gravis, but the condition is more common in men over 60 and women under 40.

Bioinfusion Center specializes in IV infusion therapy for adults with myasthenia gravis symptoms that aren’t treatable with traditional medicines. The infusion experts use the latest medications to manage existing symptoms and prevent the worsening of the disorder.

What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?

Muscle weakness is a hallmark symptom of myasthenia gravis, particularly if it worsens when you use the muscles but disappears when you rest. As the disease progresses, weakness can become constant and affect any muscle in the body. This can lead to:

• Eye drooping
• Double vision
• Speech problems
• Swallowing and chewing difficulties

More serious side effects of myasthenia gravis can include breathing problems, inability to walk, and difficulties holding up your head.

Bloodwork, a neurological exam, and nerve stimulation tests confirm a myasthenia gravis diagnosis. Symptom control is possible with corticosteroids and other oral medications. If treatment isn’t effective, you may be a candidate for IV infusion therapy.

How does IV infusion therapy treat myasthenia gravis?

Bioinfusion Center offers several infusion therapies for adults with myasthenia gravis. The medical team can deliver medications directly into your bloodstream that alter your immune system response and prevent muscle weakness and other symptoms.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy helps restore function in the immune system. IVIg comes from the blood and contains antibodies that suppress an immune system attack to address symptom relapse that’s not manageable with other therapies.

IV infusions for myasthenia gravis are typically a short-term treatment for symptoms that suddenly get worse. The team can also discuss your options for vitamin therapy, hydration therapy, and other IV infusions that support your muscle health.

Call Bioinfusion Center today to schedule a consultation for myasthenia gravis treatment or book an appointment online.