Alternative Therapy

Options

Resources &
Support

2, 5

Occupational Therapy: treatment for

MG must be highly individualized since it
affects everyone differently.

Energy saving techniques:

Occupational Therapists can teach
patients how proper body
movements can prevent fatigue
Home modifications: reorganize
patients living environment to
prevent falls and install railings

Speech Pathology (SP): swallowing muscle

abilities are often affected in MG

SP can address issues in eating and

swallowing
Suggest alternative foods

Psychosocial Therapy:

Address issues of body image

Stress management related to daily
life activities (sex, work, leisure)

4, 5

MG Foundation of America
http://www.myasthenia.org/Home.aspx

Understanding
Myasthenia
Gravis

16 chapters throughout the country

supplying educational materials
Support groups available
Offers information to locate local
health clinics

MG Foundation of Illinois
http://www.myastheniagravis.org/

Provides resources for online chat

support groups
Ability to connect with MG
patients
Supplies information on health
insurance & prescription assistance

1. Goodman, C. C., & Fuller, K. S. (2009). Pathology: Implications for the

physical therapist. St. Louis, Mo: Saunders/Elsevier
2. Howard, J. (n.d.). Myasthenia gravis a manual for the health care provider.
Retrieved from
http://www.myasthenia.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=S472fPAE1ow%3D&tabi
d=69
3. Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. (2015, July 27). Retrieved from
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravi
s.htm#289483153
4. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Community supports.
Retrieved from http://www.myasthenia.org/CommunitySupport.aspx
5. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois. (2015, August). Treatments.
Retrieved from http://www.myastheniagravis.org/about-mg/treatments/
6. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2010, September).
Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. Retrieved from
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravi
s.htm#289533153
7. What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG) (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.myasthenia.org/WhatisMG.aspx

Information on the causes, symptoms,

and treatments available to help better
understand your loved ones diagnosis
of Myasthenia Gravis

What is Myasthenia
Gravis?
7

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare chronic

autoimmune disorder that involves
different degrees of weakness in the
muscles of the body that are under
voluntary control.

What are the

symptoms?
3,7

How common is the

disease?

Treatments:
Medical &
Pharmaceutical
Approach

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare disease

affecting an estimated 1 in every 200,000
people. It can affect people of all races,
genders and races, but occurs most often in
women in their 20's and 30's, and most
often in men in their 50's and 60's.

1, 3, 5

While is no cure available for MG, there are

several treatment options available for
patients with MG to help increase.
Severity, age, and degree of impairment are
important considerations when planning
treatment.
M edications:

Cause and Risk

Factors

Symptoms can differ from person to person,

but those living with the disease often
report having increased muscle weakness
during active periods. Common muscles
affected by the disease are those that
control swallowing, talking, chewing, eye
and eyelid movement, and facial expression.

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a defect in

the transmission of information from
nerves to muscles. The brain produces a
neurotransmitter substance called
Acetlycholine (ACh), which is the main
substance involved in muscle contractions.
In individuals suffering from MG, their
bodies naturally reject ACh, causing the
muscle contraction not to occur. The body
mistakenly attacks itself.

Anticholinesterases: gives Ach

a better opportunity to
communicate to muscles
Immunosuppressant: help to
eliminate the antibodies that cause
muscle weakness

Surgical Procedure:

Abnormality of the thymus gland is

believed to be associated with the
development of MG. Removal of the gland
is shown to reduce symptoms of muscle
weakness and pain. There is an 85% success
rate in symptom alleviation when
thymectomy is performed.
Plasmapheresis:
Process of removing substances that affect
ACh receptors in the plasma. This
treatment is for short-term reduction of
symptoms.