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Treatment
The following treatment is available:
- Pyridostigmine and immunosuppressant drugs
- Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange therapy (severe or rapidly worsening Myasthenia)
- Thymectomy (offered at another hospital)
Our treatment choices are informed by clinical trial evidence (not available for thymectomy).
Other conditions
For patients with LEMS and congenital myasthenic syndromes, we may use 3,4 diaminopyridine and other agents that act on the neuromuscular junction.
Breathing
Some patients with myasthenic syndromes can develop diaphragmatic
weakness (the diaphragm is the main muscle to help breathing). This can lead to
breathing difficulties and particularly affects patients during sleep.
We have a specialist service run by one of our neuroanaesthetists and a clinical nurse specialist (Helen Eddleston).
They provide a home sleep study diagnostic service and can provide
treatment in the form of non-invasive ventilation.
Patient advice
Our clinical nurse specialist provides advice via telephone and email as well as an immunosuppression monitoring service.
The service works closely with the sleep service (non-invasive ventilation), Dr. Gordon Plant (neuro-ophthalmology) and therapy services (Speech and Language, Physiotherapy).
We provide a service for patients throughout Greater London and the surrounding areas. We also see patients both nationally and internationally.