There are many types of muscle weaknesses.  The most common one is Myasthenia Gravis which can occur in various ogans of your body.  If left untreated, it can be more serious than you think.

What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?

MG is an autoimmune condition affecting signaling between the nerves and the muscles and causing muscle weakness.  The condition can affect around the eyes, mouth, face, arms and legs.  It may also affect heart muscle causing respiratory failure and eventually death. 

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What Are MG Symptoms?

The most common symptoms include:

• droopy eyelids causing double vision and unable to focus
• Slurred speech, nasal speech
• Problems chewing and swallowing, choking on food easily
• Weakness in arms or legs, unable to move conveniently
• shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fatigue and lack of strength

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How to Diagnose MG?

If you suspect that you have MG, you need to consult a doctor.  The commom diagnostic procedure includes: CT Chest x-ray to see if thymus gland is enlarged or has tumor, ptosis evaluation, comorbidities screening, and other tests for proper treatment plan.

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MG Treatment

Current treatment for MG is medication which helps improve electrical signals between the nerves and muscles to reduce muscle weaknesses.   Steriods and immunosuppressants are suitable for patients who must have operation for thymus tumor.  In some cases, patients without tumor may also need the operation to reduce the symptom and immunosuppresive medication.  It is important not to neglect your condition and consult with the doctor as soon as possible. 

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Endoscopic Thymectomy for Quick Recovery

A normal thymectomy is an open surgery over the breastbone which is painful and needs longer recoveory time.   Today, there is Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS Thymectomy) procedure with minimal incision, so it requires less recovery time and reduces complications.  The surgery will help improve MG condition and relieve worries of the open surgery.

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Myasthenia Gravis Specialist

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sira Laohathai, Thoracic Surgeon  specializing in Endoscopic Thymectomy, Bangkok Heart Hospital

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Hospital Specializes in Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Bangkok Heart Hosptial is ready to provide treatment for MG by our specialists team of multidisciplinary doctors and nurses together with up-to-date technology to hel you regain your quality of life.