Myasthenia Gravis Treatment in New York, NY
Myasthenia gravis can cause muscle weakness that changes throughout the day and interferes with vision, speech, swallowing, mobility, and other everyday activities. Because its symptoms can resemble those of several other neurological conditions, an accurate evaluation is an important first step toward receiving appropriate care. With ongoing treatment and monitoring, many people can manage their symptoms and remain active.
At Chester Neurology, Dr. Roshni Karnani provides personalized neurological care for patients with myasthenia gravis and related neuromuscular symptoms in New York City. Dr. Karnani is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and takes the time to review each patient’s symptoms, medical history, medications, previous testing, and functional concerns.
Care is tailored to the muscles affected, the severity of weakness, and how symptoms respond to activity and rest. Chester Neurology’s Midtown Manhattan office provides a convenient setting for patients who live or work throughout New York City. If you are experiencing unexplained or fluctuating muscle weakness, schedule a neurological evaluation to discuss your symptoms and next steps.
About New York, NY
New York, NY, is a major metropolitan area where residents and commuters have access to a wide range of medical specialists. For individuals experiencing persistent or worsening tremors, finding convenient access to neurological care can make it easier to obtain an evaluation and establish an appropriate treatment plan. Essential tremor can affect people in different ways. Some individuals experience a relatively mild tremor that only becomes apparent during specific activities, while others may develop shaking that interferes with eating, writing, dressing, working, or other daily tasks.
Tremors can also affect areas such as the head or voice, potentially creating additional functional or social challenges. Dr. Roshni Karnani is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has expertise in movement disorders, including essential tremor. Her approach involves evaluating each patient’s symptoms and neurological history to determine the appropriate course of care.
Directions from New York, NY
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis, or MG, is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. It develops when the immune system produces antibodies that interfere with communication between nerves and voluntary muscles. This interruption causes muscles to weaken and tire more easily with use. Symptoms often improve after rest but may return with continued activity.
MG commonly affects the muscles controlling the eyes and eyelids, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, speech, neck movement, arms, and legs. Some people have ocular myasthenia gravis, which primarily affects the eye muscles, while generalized MG affects additional muscle groups. Symptoms and severity vary from person to person and may fluctuate from day to day.
Who Should See a Neurologist for Myasthenia Gravis?
Muscle weakness can have many possible causes and does not always indicate myasthenia gravis. However, weakness that becomes worse with activity, improves with rest, or repeatedly affects the eyes, face, speech, swallowing, neck, arms, or legs should be evaluated by a neurologist.
Consider Scheduling a Myasthenia Gravis Evaluation in New York City If You Experience:
- Drooping of one or both eyelids
- Blurred or double vision that changes throughout the day
- Difficulty smiling or making facial expressions
- A soft, nasal, slurred, or changing voice
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, especially later in a meal
- Weakness when holding up your head
- Trouble lifting objects, raising your arms, climbing stairs, or standing from a chair
- Muscle weakness that worsens with repeated activity and improves with rest
- Symptoms that become more noticeable when you are tired, ill, stressed, or overheated
Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing or swallowing may indicate a myasthenic crisis. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care. Call 911 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Benefits of Professional Myasthenia Gravis Care
Professional care can help determine whether fluctuating weakness is caused by MG or another neurological condition. Potential benefits include:
- A detailed neurological and neuromuscular evaluation
- Testing to help confirm MG and distinguish it from other causes of weakness
- An individualized treatment plan based on symptoms and test results
- Medication management and monitoring for possible side effects
- Guidance about factors that may worsen symptoms
- Coordination with additional specialists when needed
- Ongoing assessment as muscle strength or treatment needs change
Although there is currently no cure for MG, treatment may improve muscle strength, reduce symptoms, and help patients maintain their daily activities.
How Is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination. Dr. Karnani may evaluate eye movement, eyelid position, facial strength, speech, swallowing, neck strength, and arm and leg strength. She may also look for weakness that becomes more noticeable after repeated movement.
Additional testing may include blood tests for antibodies associated with MG, such as acetylcholine receptor or muscle-specific kinase antibodies. Electromyography and nerve conduction testing, including repetitive nerve stimulation or single-fiber EMG when appropriate, may assess communication between nerves and muscles.
Imaging of the chest may also be recommended to evaluate the thymus gland. Because not every person with MG has the same antibodies or test results, diagnosis may require a combination of clinical findings and testing.
Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the muscles involved, symptom severity, antibody status, other health conditions, and the individual’s response to therapy. Medications may improve communication between nerves and muscles or reduce immune activity contributing to weakness. Some patients may require corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive therapies, or targeted treatments for MG.
Plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin may be considered when symptoms are severe, worsening quickly, or require short-term control. Surgery to remove the thymus gland, called thymectomy, may be recommended for certain patients, particularly when a thymoma is present or when clinical factors suggest the procedure may be beneficial. Hospital care and breathing support may be necessary during a myasthenic crisis.
MG treatment is highly individualized. Dr. Karnani can discuss appropriate options, monitor symptom changes, and coordinate care with other specialists when necessary.
Schedule a Myasthenia Gravis Consultation in New York City
If you are experiencing drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or muscle weakness that worsens with activity, Chester Neurology can provide a thorough neurological evaluation. Dr. Roshni Karnani offers individualized care at the Midtown Manhattan office. Contact Chester Neurology through the online form to schedule an appointment in New York, NY.
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