About this topic
Myasthenia gravis is also called MG. It is an illness that affects the muscles and the nerves. Nerves send signals from the brain to tell the muscles to move. With MG, the signal is blocked. Early in the disease the muscle weakness is mild but may worsen over time. The muscles cannot move. Then, they become weaker over time. MG may affect muscles attached to bones. The muscles in your eyes or any part of your body may be affected. It only affects muscles that you must think about to control like those used to walk, roll over, or move your eyes. MG does not affect your heart muscle or the muscles in your bowels. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired.
- Try to avoid stress as this may make your signs worse.
- Avoid too much exposure to heat. This can make signs worse.
- Wear an eye patch if you are seeing double.
- Keep a healthy weight. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid eating right before bedtime.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may have you see a specialist. You may need to see a nerve doctor called a neurologist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stimulate your muscles
- Slow down your immune system
Will physical activity be limited?
Avoid doing tiring activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Breathing problems
- More risk for other autoimmune diseases if you have MG
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing you can do to prevent this problem. If you have MG: ‚
- Avoid drugs that make the problem worse.
- Get treatment for any infection right away.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Muscle weakness that affects the eyes, face, hands, arms, or legs
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Trouble walking
- Seeing double or blurred eyesight
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Join a support group. It may help you to share time with others with this health problem. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what situations and activities I should avoid.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have muscle weakness or trouble swallowing, speaking, or walking.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/50/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/myasthenia-gravis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚