Miastenia Gravis: o que é, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

MIASTENIA GRAVIS - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised neurological assessment and treatment of Myasthenia Gravis in Lisbon

WHAT IS MYASTHENIA GRAVIS?

Avaliação neurológica da Miastenia Gravis — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A failure in nerve-muscle communication

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that block or destroy muscle receptors. This prevents the chemical signals sent by the nerves from being received correctly, resulting in characteristic muscle weakness: it worsens significantly with physical exertion and improves after periods of rest.

Most common manifestations

Eye Symptoms
Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis) and double or blurred vision (diplopia), which usually gets worse towards the end of the day.
Bulbar difficulties
Changes in speech (nasalised or weak voice), difficulty chewing, swallowing and loss of facial expression.
Limb and Neck Weakness
Difficulty raising their arms, climbing stairs, walking or holding their head up.
Fluctuating Muscle Fatigue
The weakness is not constant - it fluctuates throughout the day, worsening after repetitive activity or stress.

FORMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis

Muscle weakness is strictly limited to the muscles that control eye movements and the eyelids, and does not affect the rest of the body.

Localised

Generalised Myasthenia Gravis

The weakness spreads to the face, neck, arms, legs and, in some cases, respiratory muscles, requiring strict medical attention.

Systemic

Thymus involvement

Many patients have abnormalities in the thymus gland (hyperplasia) or benign tumours (thymomas) that disrupt the immune system.

Immunology

Triggers

Infections, extreme stress, hormonal changes, surgery or certain medications can suddenly worsen symptoms (myasthenic crisis).

Exacerbation

Estudo do sistema nervoso e falha de recetores musculares na Miastenia Gravis

Diagnostic investigation using electroneuromyography and antibody analyses (AChR, anti-MuSK) is essential for confirmation.

ASSESSMENT AND CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY ASSESSMENT

The symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis, such as extreme fatigue or double vision, are often confused with excessive tiredness caused by stress, or with other serious neurological pathologies (such as stroke or Multiple Sclerosis). Accurate neurological diagnosis, supported by tests such as electroneuromyography and serological tests (antibodies), is essential.

💡 Timely diagnosis prevents the worsening of Myasthenic Crises - medical emergencies characterised by weakness of the respiratory muscles that can be life-threatening.

At NeuroPsyque, our specialists accompany patients by designing meticulous intervention plans. By adjusting anticholinesterase drugs (to improve nerve-muscle communication) and immunosuppressive therapy, we aim to stabilise the immune system and give it back the energy it needs to live normally again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Myasthenia Gravis

What is the difference between fatigue in Myasthenia Gravis and ordinary fatigue?

Common fatigue is usually an overall feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy. In Myasthenia Gravis, it is a real "focal" muscle weakness (for example, in the eyelid, arm or speech muscles) that is clearly aggravated by using that muscle repeatedly, and which recovers almost completely after a few minutes of rest.

Is Myasthenia Gravis curable?

There is no definitive cure, but the disease is highly treatable. Most patients achieve remission (prolonged absence of symptoms) or very effective control that allows them to lead an absolutely normal life through medication or surgery (thymectomy).

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed neurological examination. This is often followed by blood tests (to detect antibodies against acetylcholine receptors or anti-MuSK), neurophysiological tests such as Electroneuromyography (to assess nerve fatigue) and usually a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check the thymus gland.

What is a Myasthenic Crisis?

This is a serious complication in which weakness affects the muscles that control breathing, often requiring ventilator support in hospital. It is usually triggered by respiratory infections, intense physical stress, surgery, or by taking certain medications not recommended for patients with this condition.

What special care should I take on a daily basis?

Energy management (pacing) is fundamental: intersperse activity with periods of rest. Extreme heat, intense emotional stress should be avoided, and you should always consult your neurologist before taking antibiotics, muscle relaxants or new medications, as some can aggravate weakness.

What does medical treatment consist of?

The first line of treatment usually involves acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (which increase the signal between nerve and muscle for rapid relief). It can also include long-term therapy with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants to stop the autoimmune attack, as well as surgical intervention on the thymus (thymectomy).

Do I need a medical referral to book an appointment at NeuroPsyque?

No, no referral is necessary. If you experience characteristic muscle weakness or would like a second opinion on the management of your Myasthenia Gravis, you can book your appointment directly with us. neurological assessment with us. Contact us.