Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is also called MG. It is an illness that affects the muscles and the nerves. Nerves send signals from the brain to tell the muscles to move. With MG, the signal is blocked at the muscle. Early in the disease the muscle weakness is mild but the muscles may become weaker over time. MG may affect muscles attached to bones. It mostly affects muscles in your eyes, face, or those used for chewing and swallowing. However, any part of your body may be affected. It only affects muscles that you must think about to control like those used to walk, roll over, or move your eyes. MG does not affect your heart muscle or the muscles in your bowels.
Name
Myasthenia Gravis Discharge Instructions
About this topic
Myasthenia gravis is also called MG. It is an illness that affects the muscles and the nerves. Nerves send signals from the brain to tell the muscles to move. With MG, the signal is blocked at the muscle. Early in the disease the muscle weakness is mild but the muscles may become weaker over time. MG may affect muscles attached to bones. It mostly affects muscles in your eyes, face, or those used for chewing and swallowing. However, any part of your body may be affected. It only affects muscles that you must think about to control like those used to walk, roll over, or move your eyes. MG does not affect your heart muscle or the muscles in your bowels.
What drugs may be needed?
Stimulate your muscles,Slow down your immune system
What problems could happen?
Muscles keep getting weaker,Breathing problems,More risk for other autoimmune diseases if you have MG
When do I need to call the doctor?
Muscle weakness that affects the eyes, face, hands, arms, or legs that is getting worse,Trouble swallowing or speaking,Trouble walking,Seeing double or blurred eyesight,You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Body systems
Neuromuscular and Skeletal,Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)
What are other common names?
Erb-Goldflam Disease,Generalized Myasthenia Gravis,MG,Myasthenic Crisis,Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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