Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms, Treatment & Hope for Patients in the USA

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms, Treatment & Hope for Patients in the USA

Key Fact: Myasthenia gravis (MG) affects about 20 out of every 100,000 people in the United States, with women most commonly diagnosed before age 40 and men after age 60.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the voluntary skeletal muscles, which worsens after periods of activity and improves after rest. This condition occurs when communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted at the neuromuscular junction.

Common Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

• Drooping eyelids (ptosis) - Often the first noticeable symptom
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck
• Shortness of breath - In severe cases affecting respiratory muscles

Diagnosis and Treatment Options in the USA

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Neurological examination
2. Blood tests for specific antibodies
3. Electromyography (EMG) tests
4. Edrophonium (Tensilon) test
5. Imaging scans of the chest (to check for thymus abnormalities)

Current Treatment Approaches:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (Pyridostigmine/Mestinon)
• Immunosuppressants (Prednisone, Azathioprine, Mycophenolate)
• Plasmapheresis (Plasma exchange)
• IVIG therapy (Intravenous immunoglobulin)
• Thymectomy (Surgical removal of the thymus gland)
• Newer biologics (Rituximab, Eculizumab)

Hope on the Horizon: The FDA recently approved new treatments for MG, including complement inhibitors like eculizumab (Soliris) and ravulizumab (Ultomiris), offering new options for patients with refractory generalized MG.

Living with MG: Tips for Patients

• Pace activities and schedule rest periods
• Work with a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders
• Consider physical therapy to maintain muscle strength
• Join a support group (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America offers resources)
• Be aware of medications that may exacerbate MG symptoms

Research and Clinical Trials in the USA

Several promising areas of research are underway at institutions like Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital:

• New monoclonal antibody treatments
• Gene therapy approaches
• Improved thymectomy techniques
• Personalized medicine strategies

Join the MG Conversation on Social Media

#MyastheniaGravis #MGAwareness #RareDisease #Neurology #AutoimmuneDisease #MGStrong #MGWarrior #InvisibleIllness #Neuromuscular #ChronicIllness #MGFighter #MGCommunity #RareDiseaseAwareness #NeurologicalDisorder #MGAwarenessMonth

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Resources for MG Patients in the USA

• Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Care Centers
• Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network

If you suspect you or a loved one may have myasthenia gravis, consult with a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders for proper evaluation and treatment.