What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Myasthenia Gravis (pronounced My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us) comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “grave muscular weakness.” The most common form of MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. The known prevalence of MG in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000 population, but it is probably under diagnosed. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. It is not thought to be directly inherited nor contagious, but occasionally it occurs in more than one member of the same family.
Common symptoms can include:
A drooping eyelid
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Weakness in the arms and legs
Chronic muscle fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Treatment:
Treatment decisions and goals are individualized according to each patient, but may include:
Anti-acetylcholinesterase agents
Corticosteriods
Immunosuppressant agents
Thymectomy
Plasmapheresis
Intravenous immune globulins
Monoclonal antibodies are under active clinical trials as a treatment
Prognosis:
No cure
Uncommon but not unheard of are cases of spontaneous improvement or even remission
Current treatments can be effective enough in most patients that their muscle strength improves and they can lead full lives
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month is helpful in bringing awareness to this disorder.
Information from and to learn more about it, visit the Myasthenia Gravis Fountation of America website.
This information is provided courtesy of the Wyoming AgrAbility Project. For more information, visit our website.
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