Unfortunately, these drugs can also have serious side effects, especially after prolonged use. These are Plasmapheresis and Gamma Globulin injections. Some people are not helped by any of the traditional treatments. Their conditions may continue to deteriorate to almost complete paralysis and life-threatening respiratory problems. Some of these people have returned to normal functioning after Plasmapheresis treatments.
Plasmapheresis is a blood plasma exchange process.
It works to remove from the blood antibodies and other substances that interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition the benefit is short lived, and the treatment usually must be repeated at intervals. A crisis occurs when a person with MG develops difficulty in breathing, requiring hospitalisation and usually a mechanical respirator. The crisis may be brought on by any stress on the body, such as infection, emotional upset, physical activity, menstruation, pregnancy or even adverse reaction to medication. The person in crisis requires swift medical attention to treat life-threatening respiratory problems.