Myasthenia Gravis
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What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
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What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal
(voluntary) muscles of the body. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity
and improves after periods of rest. Muscles that control eye and eyelid movements, facial expression, chewing, talking, and
swallowing are often, but not always, involved. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be
affected. Myasthenia gravis is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. Normally when impulses
travel down the nerve, the nerve endings release a neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine. In myasthenia gravis,
antibodies produced by the body's own immune system block, alter, or destroy the receptors for acetylcholine. The first noticeable
symptoms of myasthenia gravis may be weakness of the eye muscles, difficulty in swallowing, or slurred speech. Symptoms vary
in type and severity. Myasthenia gravis is not directly inherited nor is it contagious. The first steps in diagnosing myasthenia
gravis include a review of the individual's medical history and physical and neurological examinations. If the doctor suspects
myasthenia gravis, several diagnostic tests are available to confirm the diagnosis, including a special blood test that can
detect the presence of immune molecules or acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. 1821 University Ave W. Suite S256 St. Paul, MN 55104-2897 mgfa@myasthenia.org http://www.myasthenia.org Tel: 800-541-5454 651-917-6256 Fax: 651-917-1835 |
Muscular Dystrophy Association 3300 East Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85718-3208 mda@mdausa.org http://www.mda.org Tel: 520-529-2000 800-344-4863 Fax: 520-529-5300 |
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Last updated July 25, 2008