1. Goodman, C. C., & Fuller, K. S. (2009). Pathology: Implications for the physical therapist. St. Louis, Mo: Saunders/Elsevier 2. Howard, J. (n.d.). Myasthenia gravis a manual for the health care provider. Retrieved from http://www.myasthenia.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=S472fPAE1ow%3D&tabid=69 3. Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. (2015, July 27). Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm#289483153 4. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Community supports. Retrieved from http://www.myasthenia.org/CommunitySupport.aspx 5. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois. (2015, August). Treatments. Retrieved from http://www.myastheniagravis.org/about-mg/treatments/ 6. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2010, September). Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm#289533153 7. What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG) (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.myasthenia.org/WhatisMG.aspx

Alternative Therapy Options 2, 5

Occupational Therapy: treatment for MG must be highly individualized since it affects everyone differently.

• Energy saving techniques: Occupational Therapists can teach patients how proper body movements can prevent fatigue

• Home modifications: reorganize patient’s living environment to prevent falls and install railings

Speech Pathology (SP): swallowing muscle abilities are often affected in MG

• SP can address issues in eating and swallowing

• Suggest alternative foods

Psychosocial Therapy:

• Address issues of body image • Stress management related to daily

life activities (sex, work, leisure)

Resources & Support 4, 5

MG Foundation of America

http://www.myasthenia.org/Home.aspx

• 16 chapters throughout the country supplying educational materials

• Support groups available • Offers information to locate local

health clinics

MG Foundation of Illinois

http://www.myastheniagravis.org/

• Provides resources for online chat support groups

• Ability to connect with MG patients

• Supplies information on health insurance & prescription assistance

Understanding Myasthenia

Gravis

Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments available to help better understand your loved one’s diagnosis

of Myasthenia Gravis

What is Myasthenia Gravis? 7

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder that involves different degrees of weakness in the muscles of the body that are under voluntary control.

What are the symptoms? 3,7

Symptoms can differ from person to person, but those living with the disease often report having increased muscle weakness during active periods. Common muscles affected by the disease are those that control swallowing, talking, chewing, eye and eyelid movement, and facial expression.

How common is the disease? 3

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare disease affecting an estimated 1 in every 200,000 people. It can affect people of all races, genders and races, but occurs most often in women in their 20's and 30's, and most often in men in their 50's and 60's.

Cause and Risk Factors 7

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a defect in the transmission of information from nerves to muscles. The brain produces a neurotransmitter substance called Acetlycholine (ACh), which is the main substance involved in muscle contractions. In individuals suffering from MG, their bodies naturally reject ACh, causing the muscle contraction not to occur. The body mistakenly attacks itself.

Treatments: Medical &

Pharmaceutical Approach 1, 3, 5

While is no cure available for MG, there are several treatment options available for patients with MG to help increase. Severity, age, and degree of impairment are important considerations when planning treatment.

M edications:

- Anticholinesterases: gives Ach a better opportunity to communicate to muscles

- Immunosuppressant: help to eliminate the antibodies that cause muscle weakness

Surgical Procedure: 1

Abnormality of the thymus gland is believed to be associated with the development of MG. Removal of the gland is shown to reduce symptoms of muscle weakness and pain. There is an 85% success rate in symptom alleviation when thymectomy is performed.

Plasmapheresis:

Process of removing substances that affect ACh receptors in the plasma. This treatment is for short-term reduction of symptoms.