Autoimmune neuromuscular diseases are caused by an overactive immune response by the body against substances and tissues normally present. In other words, the body attacks its own cells and tissues. There are more than 40 human diseases classified as either definite or probable autoimmune diseases. Almost all autoimmune diseases appear without warning or apparent cause, and most people suffer from fatigue.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The disorder is caused by damage to the myelin (the layers around the nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves. It is more common in young adults, and in men more than women.
Symptoms often include tingling or numbness, weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes, fatigue, and abnormal sensations.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Azathioprine, Immune Globulin
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Rituximab
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs that may spread to the arms and upper body. Symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles are unusable and the patient is almost paralyzed. In these cases, the disorder is life threatening and considered a medical emergency. The precise cause is unknown.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drug Breakthrough Option: Immune Globulin IgG
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease distinguished by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles. Muscle weakness typically increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Ambenonium, Edrophonium, Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine, Tubocurarine
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Azathioprine, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Prednisone
Please enter a search term to begin your search.