DEAR READER:
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that results from a defect in movement of nerve signals between the muscles and nerve fibers. Symptoms often begin with double vision, weakness of facial muscles, droopy eyelids and extend to those muscles that help us breathe. The condition is common in juveniles, is not hereditary, nor is it contagious.

With treatment the outlook is very good. Medication to improve muscle strength, surgical removal of the thymus gland, removal of abnormal antibodies from the blood, or IV immunoglobulin that provide the body with normal antibodies from donated blood are considerations.

If your daughter is not already under the care of a top neurologist, she should be.

DEAR READER:
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness that can increase during periods of activity and decrease following rest.

Initial symptoms can be an eyelid that droops, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, weakness of the extremities, shortness of breath, or unsteady gait.

It is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to voluntary muscles. Impulses travel down a nerve in a healthy individual. Nerve endings release a neurotransmitter substance known as acetylcholine. This substance then travels through the neuromuscular junction and binds to acetylcholine receptors that are activated and produce a muscle contraction. With myasthenia gravis, antibodies block these receptors and prevents muscle contractions from occurring.

A complete history, physical examination and evaluation by a neurologist should be conducted. If myasthenia gravis is suspected, several tests (to include blood work, nerve conduction studies, single fiber electromyography, and more) can be conducted. Therapy may help improve muscle weakness. Medication, removal of an abnormal thymus gland and plasmapheresis (removal of the plasma portion of the blood which is then replaced with saline or donor plasma) can be coordinated.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.