Coping With Myasthenia Gravis

Hengameh, it sounds like the right diagnosis (M.G.) but the wrong medicines completely. Myasthenia Gravis involves a very specific problem: the nerve impulses to the muscles are partially blocked by the immune system. None of the treatments you mention deal with that problem.

Mestinon seems to be the most common medicine prescribed because it specifically magnifies the effect of the nerves on the muscles. Another similar drug is Prostigmin. These drugs have an immediate and strong effect on myasthenia gravis but do not cure it and do not completely resolve all symptoms. Still, they have a huge positive effect.

The other common treatments are drugs that suppress the immune system; these drugs work by preventing the immune system from attacking the connection between the nerves and muscles. However, they take longer (days or weeks) to start working and must be carefully maintained to prevent serious side effects.

I am not a doctor, but I can say this; if you (or your brother) have not been told of these treatments then you have the wrong doctor. The medicines you mention would not seem to be effective for M.G. See a specialist in myesthenia [myasthenia] gravis as soon as possible.

Good luck to you and your brother!

-Pete