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 are the causes?
Doctors do not know what causes MG. MG is a disease where our immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. With MG, it is where the nerve signals are received by the muscles. When this area does not work well, the muscles cannot respond to the nerve signals. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
MG happens more often in young women and in older men. It may happen at any age though. It is not passed from a parent to a child. You cannot catch it from a person who has it. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Muscle weakness ¢ ˆ ’ This often gets worse with activity and better with rest.
- Problems with your eyes like drooping of the eyelid or double vision
- Problems with the mouth like slurred speech, trouble speaking or swallowing
- Become easily tired from chewing
- Weakness in the arms or legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will check for muscle weakness and do a detailed exam of your nerves. The doctor will check your reflexes and ask about numbness or tingling. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Electromyelogram (EMG) ¢ ˆ ’ To look at how well the nerves are working
- Nerve conduction tests
- Tensilon test ¢ ˆ ’ To see if muscle strength improves after a drug to treat MG is given
- CT or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- There is no cure for MG. Your doctor may order treatment to help lower your signs and make your muscles work better.
- Your doctor may give you aids to help with your normal activities.
- Your doctor may order a procedure called plasmapheresis. This may help remove the chemicals that are destroying the way muscles move.
- With very bad cases, you may need to be in the hospital for a time. You may need help with breathing if your breathing muscles become very weak.
- Doctors will sometimes suggest taking out the thymus gland. It is a part of the immune system and may help control the signs of MG.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Try to avoid stress as this may make your signs worse.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stimulate your muscles
- Slow down your immune system
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.
Helpful tips
Join a support group. It may help you to share time with others with this health problem. ‚
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚