Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by varying
degrees of weakness
and fatigue of the skeletal muscles. Though it is commonly found in
young adult women and older
men, it can occur in anyone regardless of race, sex, or age. The muscle
weakness caused by MG
generally increases with continued activity and improves after periods
of rest.
Symptoms of MG
~ Difficulty coughing, chewing, talking, swallowing, and making
facial expressions ~
~ Weakness in muscles that control breathing; arm and leg movements
~
~ Lack of eye movement ~
~ Blurred/double vision ~
~ Shortness of breath ~
~ Droopy eyelids ~
~ Slurred speech ~
Prognosis
The current treatments for the autoimmune types of MG have proven
to be effective in allowing the patient to show improvement in their
muscle weakness. Many patients can expect to lead normal lives
after diagnosis, some may even go into remission. However, severe
cases of MG such as the congenital types, still lack the treatments
necessary for patients to lead somewhat "normal" lives. Research is
the key to finding new answers and drugs to better improve treatment
of MG.
How You Can Help
If you'd like to join in the fight against Myasthenia Gravis by
helping to fund research, please send a check with "Research
Donation" in the memo to:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
123 W. Madison
Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60602-4503
To donate via secure online transaction
The few dollars you spend today
can save many lives tomorrow, maybe even your own.