According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is "a chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest."
Myasthenia gravis (my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis) is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. It's caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles.
There's no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of arm, leg and neck muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.
This rare disease affects both men and women and occurs across all racial and ethnic groups. It is most common in young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), but it can occur at any age, including childhood.
Websites:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)
Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA) Note: unsecured Website
Myasthenia Gravis (Mayo Clinic)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) (Cleveland Clinic)
Myasthenia Gravis at Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Myasthenia Gravis (National Organization for Rare Diseases)
Myasthenia Gravis (MedlinePlus)
Myasthenia Gravis (Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
The Australian Myasthenic Association in NSW
Neuromuscular—Myasthenia Gravis: Treatments
Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis (Cleveland Clinic)
International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis (Neurology) also 2020 update
Webinars:
Book:
Coping With Myasthenia Gravis: Mastering Your Life by Aziz Shaibani... Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse, 2021. 334 pages. Excellent source of helpful information about Myasthenia gravis including history, diagnosis, and treatment, with separate chapters by fifty MG patients telling their stories, along with expert comments at the conclusion of each. Recommended for those newly diagnosed as well as those living with MG.
Other:
Cautionary Drug List (Myasthenia Gravis Association) PDF
Cautionary Drug List (Myasthenia Foundation of America) PDF
Dental Treatment Considerations for the Dental Care Team (MGFA) PDF
Suggestions:
1. Wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace to provide emergency medical personnel with your name, MG condition, allergies, etc. in the event you are injured and/or become unconscious. Two sources to consider are: www.medicalert.org and www.roadid.com
2. Carrying a card in your wallet or purse listing your medications, allergies, etc. including who to contact in case of emergency.
3. Purchasing a fitness tracker to help motivate you to exercise more by tracking the number of steps you take during each day, etc.
4. Joining a Myasthenia gravis online support group.