Myasthenia Gravis and Radiculitis—November 16, 1995

Myasthenia Gravis and Radiculitis—November 16, 1995

These two conditions are often confused clinically because both can cause bilateral or unilateral limb weakness and functional impairment, necessitating differentiation. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the neuromuscular junction, characterized by prolonged fatigue and weakness of striated muscles, inability to move voluntarily, and in some cases, progressive disability. The initial sites of involvement are the muscles around the eyes and those responsible for speech and swallowing. Patients may exhibit muscle atrophy and loss of function. This disease can also trigger adrenergic crises, during which the pupils dilate and secretions (tears, saliva, tracheal secretions) decrease; it can also cause cholinergic crises: constricted pupils, excessive secretion, hyperactive intestinal peristalsis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and profuse sweating. Radiculitis, on the other hand, is often caused by influenza virus infection. It initially presents with pain in the limb muscles and affected areas, followed by muscle atrophy, movement disorders, and functional impairment. This condition is relatively common in clinical practice, whereas myasthenia gravis is less frequent. The aforementioned Feng Yin Tang, Zhao’s Formula, and Zhen Wei Tang are, strictly speaking, all treatments for this condition. For myasthenia gravis, it is recommended to use Buzhong Yiqi Tang, Baxian Changshou Wan, and Bazhen Tang with modifications. Regarding adjustments, domestic journals suggest using dodder seed, goji berry, late silkworm excrement, deer antler glue, eucommia bark, cinnamon, fuzi, and psoralea corylifolia; others advocate using centipedes, scorpions, and other insect-based medicines. Additionally, Zhang Xichun’s Shengxian Tang is also considered effective for treating this condition. I believe that the treatment of this disease should always focus on tonifying the middle jiao and kidney, with adjustments falling into three categories: ① Qi-nourishing agents: dodder seed, goji berry, ligustrum, polygonum multiflorum; ② Yang-tonifying agents: cinnamon, fuzi, eucommia bark, continued break, suoyang, rou cong rong, deer antler glue, turtle shell glue; ③ Insect-based remedies: centipedes, scorpions, centipedes, leeches.