MG is often called the “snowflake disease”
because it differs so much from person to person
. The degree of muscle weakness and the muscles that are affected vary greatly from patient to patient and from time to time.
What does snowflake disease mean?
Often referred to as “the snowflake disease,”
myasthenia gravis
, or MG, affects each person differently and likewise, treatment must be individuallized. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness of the voluntary muscles. The more these muscles are used, the more they weaken.
Does myasthenia gravis get worse with age?
The prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG) among
middle-aged and older patients has increased
. Patients with early-onset MG live longer than before, but there is also an increase in late-onset MG (onset of the disease after the age of 50 years in patients with no clinical or paraclinical evidence of a thymoma).
What disease mimics myasthenia gravis?
Beware: there are other diseases that mimic myasthenia gravis. A number of disorders may mimic MG, including generalized fatigue,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, botulism, penicillamine-induced myasthenia, and congenital myasthenic syndromes.
Why does myasthenia gravis get worse with use?
As a result, the
person experiences muscle weakness
, which becomes worse as they repeatedly try to use the same muscle. Many people with myasthenia gravis who don’t have antibodies to the AChR, have antibodies to a protein called ‘muscle-specific kinase’ (MuSK).
Does Vitamin D Help myasthenia gravis?
A recent pilot study has suggested a
role
for vitamin D deficiency in myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disease. In 33 patients with MG, serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower than in 50 controls.
How serious is myasthenia gravis?
In about 1 in 5 people, only the eye muscles are affected. Treatment can usually help keep the symptoms under control. Very occasionally, myasthenia gravis gets better on its own. If severe,
myasthenia gravis can be life-threatening
, but it does not have a significant impact on life expectancy for most people.
Is myasthenia gravis a disability?
Myasthenia gravis has
its own disability listing
in the Social Security listing of impairments that may qualify for disability.
How long is life expectancy with myasthenia gravis?
Those who survive the first 3 years of disease usually achieve a steady state or improve. Worsening of disease is uncommon after 3 years. Thymectomy results in complete remission of the disease in a number of patients. However, the prognosis is highly variable,
ranging from remission to death
.
What is the life expectancy of a person with myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis can range from mild to severe. In some cases, symptoms are so minimal that no treatment is necessary. Even in moderately severe cases, with treatment, most people can continue to work and live independently.
Life expectancy is normal except in rare cases
.
Can myasthenia gravis lead to MS?
Co-occurrence of MS and myasthenia gravis is rare
, but this particular combination of illnesses has been reported more frequently than would be expected from random coincidence. This has led to suspicion that these two diseases may be linked mechanistically (physically).
What does ocular myasthenia gravis feel like?
The symptoms of ocular myasthenia gravis include double vision (seeing two images instead of one),
trouble focusing, and drooping eyelids
. On the other hand, generalized myasthenia gravis affects muscles throughout the body.
What type of doctor can diagnose myasthenia gravis?
Neurologist or neuromuscular specialist
Within the field of neurology, a neuromuscular specialist diagnoses and cares for diseases that affect the function of nerves and muscles. These doctors most often diagnose MG correctly, as well as treat and manage MG patients.
What is the most common cause of death from myasthenia gravis?
The most common cause was
cardiovascular disease
in 31 cases (31%). Myasthenia gravis was mentioned as an underlying cause in 27 cases (27%). In two cases a myasthenic crisis was mentioned specifically on the death certificate. In 52 cases myasthenia gravis was a contributory cause of death.
Does myasthenia gravis affect memory?
Significant excessive daytime sleepiness resulting from sleep disturbances can also
impair memory
and the performance of MG patients on neuropsychological tests, as can the presence of mental depression.
Is exercise good for myasthenia gravis?
Physical training and exercise is safe in patients with myasthenia gravis
. Physical training programs increase muscle strength and daily functioning in patients with myasthenia gravis. Respiratory muscle function improves with endurance training in patients with myasthenia gravis.
