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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Finally I know what I have But still confussedForum: Neurology Forum
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After many months of testing my doctor has told me that he is 99.99 % sure that I have Myasthenia Gravis. To which I understand is a form of MD. I've read a lot of information of MG and now I think I'm suffering from information overload. Some of the info I have read says that it has to be "in" the family and other material says that it can just happen. I live in a place where it gets very hot in the summer and becasue this past summer affected me so much I have seriously concidered moving North. Can you please give me some more info on MG and what kinds of treatment is available. Dear Danielle, MG is a disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness of certain muscles. Symptoms usually manifest after repeated activity and quick restoration of strength at rest. The onset of the disease is relatively slow. Once the disease has begun, a slow progression follows. Usually the muscles of the eyes, and somewhat less often the face, jaw, throat and neck, are the first to be affected. As the disease advances, it spreads to other muscles. The peak age on onset is between 20-30years in women and 60-70years in men. The course is variable. The pathogenesis involves an immunologic reaction at the nerve junction (antibodies to the ACH protein--I know a bit technical). The diagnosis is made after clinical history and exam, EMG, tensilon test, and lab lookin for receptor antibodies in the blood. In addition, several patients often have abnormalities of the thymus, therefore, a CT scan of the chest should also be completed. There are several medications used to treat MG. More commonly, anticholinesterase drugs, such as Prostigmin and Mestinon. In moderate or severe cases, steroids and immunosuppressants (Imuran, cyclosporin) are used. Plasmaexchange and IvIG are used in acute situations in patients that are refractory to the above medications. There is not a direct genetic link; however, one form on MG, congenital MG, occurs in 10-15% of babies born to myasthenic mothers show signs of myasthenia. This is a transitory phenomena with resolution of symptoms in about 18 days and recovery is complete. I hope this information helps. If ever you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Good Luck.
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