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The prevalence of MG in the United States is estimated to be about 20/100,000 population. However, MG is probably under diagnosed and the prevalence may be higher. Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. MG is not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. It does occasionally occur in more than one member of the same family. Source: Myasthenia Foundation of America, Inc. (MGFA) http://www.myasthenia.org/amg_whatismg.cfm Taken From Article entitled: What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
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∙ 16y ago
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∙ 13y agoMG is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission.
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How did you know if you have myasthenia if it is malignant or benign?
In myasthenia gravis, your immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy many of your muscles' receptor sites for a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. With fewer receptor sites available, your muscles receive fewer nerve signals, resulting in weakness. There is no malignancy associated unless there is also an abnormality of the thymus; a thymoma, a tumor (either benign or malignant) of the thymus, then other abnormalities are frequently found. The disease process generally remains stationary after thymectomy (removal of the thymus). Only about 7.5% of people with myasthenia gravis develop a thymoma.
What diseases affects the muscular system?
I'm no expert, but there are at least five diseases to the muscular system. Arthritis, tendinitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and neuromuscular system(?).multiple sclerosis, myesthenia gravis, Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy - there are many others
Myasthenia gravis?
DefinitionMyasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder. Neuromuscular disorders involve the muscles and the nerves that control them.Alternative NamesNeuromusclar disorder - myasthenia gravis Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMyasthenia gravis causes weakness of the voluntary (skeletal) muscles. These are the muscles that create movement and are normally under your conscious control. The involuntary muscles, on the other hand, are not under conscious control (such as the muscles of your heart and many other internal organs).In myasthenia gravis, weakness occurs because the nerve that activates a particular muscle does a poor job of stimulating that muscle. This problem occurs because immune cells (which normally attack foreign invaders) target and attack the body's own healthy cells. This is known as an autoimmune response. This autoimmune response produces antibodies that block the muscle cells from receiving messages (neurotransmitters) from the nerve cell.The cause of autoimmune disorders such as myasthenia gravis is unknown. In some cases, myasthenia gravis may be associated with tumors of the thymus (an organ of the immune system). Patients with myasthenia gravis have a higher risk of having other autoimmune disorders, such as thyrotoxicosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).Myasthenia gravis can affect people at any age. It is most common in young women and older men.SymptomsThe muscle weakness of myasthenia gravis worsens with activity and improves with rest. Weakness in affected muscles may cause:Breathing difficulty because of weakness of the chest wall musclesChewing or swallowing difficulty, causing frequent gagging, choking, or droolingDifficulty climbing stairs, lifting objects, or rising from a seated positionDifficulty talkingDrooping headFacial paralysis or weakness of the facial musclesFatigueHoarseness or changing voiceWeakness of the eye muscles, causing Double visionDifficulty maintaining steady gazeEyelid droopingSigns and testsA neurological examination may be normal or may show muscle weakness that progressively worsens as the muscle is used. In many people with myasthenia gravis, the eye muscles are affected first. Reflexes and feeling (sensation) are normal. Weakness may affect the arms, legs, breathing or swallowing muscles, and any other muscle group.Tests that may be performed:Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (may be present in the blood)CT or MRI scan of the chest (may show a tumor in the thymus)Repetitive stimulation (a type of nerve conduction study, may be more sensitive)Single-fiber EMG (may be very sensitive)TreatmentThere is no known cure for myasthenia gravis. However, treatment may result in prolonged periods without any symptoms (remission).Lifestyle adjustments usually enables continuation of many activities. Activity should be planned to allow scheduled rest periods. An eye patch may be recommended if double vision is bothersome. Stress and excessive heat exposure should be avoided because they can worsen symptoms.Some medications, such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine, improve the communication between the nerve and the muscle. Prednisone and other medications (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil) that suppress the autoimmune response responsible for the weakness may be used if symptoms are severe and other medications don't work well enough.Plasmapheresis may reduce symptoms for 4 - 6 weeks and is often used before surgery. In this technique, the person's blood plasma (the clear part of the blood) containing the antibodies is removed from the body and replaced with donated, antibody-free plasma or with other intravenous fluids.Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions may be as effective as plasmapheresis. In this technique, a large volume of a mixture of helpful antibodies is given directly into the bloodstream to blunt the effect of the autoimmune antibodies.Surgical removal of the thymus (thymectomy) may result in permanent remission or less need for medicines, especially when there is a tumor present.Patients with eye problems may try lens prisms to improve vision. Surgery may also be performed on the eye muscles.Several medications may make symptoms worse and should be avoided. Therefore, it is always important to check with your doctor about the safety of a medication before taking it.Crisis situations, where muscle weakness involves the breathing muscles, may occur without warning with under- or overuse of medications. These attacks seldom last longer than a few weeks. Hospitalization and assistance with breathing may be required during these attacks. Often plasmapheresis is used to help end the crisis.Support GroupsThe stress of illness can often be helped by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems. See myasthenia gravis - support group.Expectations (prognosis)There is no cure, but long-term remission is possible. There may be minimal restriction on activity in many cases. People who have only eye symptoms (ocular myasthenia gravis), may develop generalized myasthenia over time.Pregnancy is possible for a woman with myasthenia gravis but should be closely supervised. The baby may be temporarily weak and require medications for a few weeks after birth but usually does not develop the disorder.ComplicationsComplications of surgeryMyasthenic crisis (breathing difficulty), may be life threateningRestrictions on lifestyle (possible)Side effects of medications (see the specific medication)Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of myasthenia gravis.Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have breathing difficulty or swallowing problems.ReferencesBenatar M, Kaminski HJ. Evidence report: the medical treatment of ocular myasthenia (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2007;68(24):2144-9.Vincent A, Newsom-Davis J. Disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 448.Zinman L, Ng E, Bril V. IV immunoglobulin in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2007;68(11):837-41.
What is restrictive lung disease?
Restrictive lung diseases are those which actually restrict the lung from expanding properly. They include pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and sarcoidosis, among many others. Restrictive lung diseases differ from obstructive lung diseases, such as asthma, and COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease).
Can Tens Unit help myasthenia gravis?
I have had MG since 2000. As a result of long term medication I get bad lower back pain, also brought on when my MG is playing up. I have just brought a tens machine, but am worried that it may affect my MG, since it is pretty much under control, due to medication. Many thanks.
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