June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
This June, we come together to raise awareness about a lesser-known neuromuscular disorder called Myasthenia Gravis (MG). June is designated as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month—a time to educate, advocate, and show support for individuals living with this condition and their families.
History
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month is observed nationwide in June of each year to enable members of the M.G. community to unite and raise awareness of this condition.
M.G. is a neuromuscular disease that causes varying degrees of skeletal muscle paralysis. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the neuro-muscular junction and leads to the development of antibodies that block or eliminate the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are located at the nerve-muscle junction. The destruction of these receptors prevents muscles from receiving nerve signals and contracting accordingly, resulting in general muscle paralysis.
The muscles most commonly affected by this disease are those in the eyes, face, and pharynx, which impair the ability to swallow. Also associated with M.G. are drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty communicating, and trouble walking. Voice hoarseness, fatigue, difficulty climbing stairs or lifting objects, and facial paralysis are among the symptoms.
M.G. is treated with immunosuppressants, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, which are inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required, during which the affected individual's thymus, a lymphoid organ of the immune system, may be removed.
This disease requires a physical and neurological examination to evaluate muscle weakness, movement and sensation, muscle tone, and motor function in order to diagnose. There are treatments that help manage the symptoms by regulating the immune system response if the condition is identified.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission. The usual cause is an acquired immunological abnormality, but some cases result from genetic abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction. It is a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles (the muscles that connect to your bones and contract to allow body movement in the arms and legs and allow for breathing).
The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles are often (but not always) involved in the disorder, such as those that control:
- Eye and eyelid movement
- Facial expressions
- Chewing
- Talking
- Swallowing
The onset of the disorder may be sudden, and symptoms may not be immediately recognized as myasthenia gravis. The degree of muscle weakness involved varies greatly among individuals.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are commonly associated with myasthenia gravis:
- Weakness of the eye muscles (ocular myasthenia)
- Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
- Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
- Changes in facial expressions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Impaired speech (dysarthria)
- Weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck
Sometimes the severe weakness of myasthenia gravis may cause respiratory failure, which requires immediate emergency medical care.
Myasthenia Gravis: Statistics and Prevalence
According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, the prevalence of myasthenia gravis in the United States is estimated at 14 to 20 per 100,000 population, with approximately 36,000 to 60,000 cases in the United States. However, myasthenia gravis remains underdiagnosed, and the prevalence is probably higher. Previous studies have shown that women are more often affected than men. The most common age at onset is the second and third decades in women and the seventh and eighth decades in men. As the population ages, the average age at onset has increased correspondingly, and now males are more often affected than females, and the onset of symptoms is usually after age 50. A 2015 study in acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Abs) positive Caucasians has demonstrated that there is no specific causal gene for myasthenia gravis there are specific regulatory genes that influence immune regulation. In addition, about 3% of the study population had a primary relative with myasthenia gravis suggesting a small but distinct but not direct genetic influence.
The Impact of Myasthenia Gravis
Living with Myasthenia Gravis can significantly impact an individual's daily life, physical abilities, and overall well-being. The fluctuating nature of the condition, with symptoms that can worsen and improve over time, often leads to unpredictability and challenges in managing daily activities. Simple tasks such as speaking, swallowing, breathing, and even holding objects may become difficult. Additionally, the fatigue and weakness associated with Myasthenia Gravis can contribute to limitations in mobility and impact a person's social and emotional well-being.
Raising Awareness for Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month provides an opportunity to bring attention to this rare and often misunderstood disorder. By increasing awareness, we can foster empathy, understanding, and support for individuals living with Myasthenia Gravis. Here are some ways we can actively participate:
Education and Information
Share educational resources and accurate information about Myasthenia Gravis on your website, social media channels, and within your healthcare network. Help dispel misconceptions, provide insights into the condition's impact, and highlight available treatment options.
Fundraising and Support
Collaborate with Myasthenia Gravis organizations and contribute to their fundraising initiatives. Support research programs, patient support networks, and advocacy campaigns aimed at improving the lives of individuals affected by Myasthenia Gravis.
Patient Stories and Awareness Campaigns
Share personal stories of individuals living with Myasthenia Gravis, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and their experiences to be understood. Engage in awareness campaigns, both online and offline, to encourage open dialogue and empower those affected.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
Work closely with healthcare professionals, including neurologists and pulmonologists, to develop innovative solutions that can enhance the care and monitoring of patients with Myasthenia Gravis.
By coming together to educate, advocate, and support individuals living with Myasthenia Gravis and their families, we have taken meaningful steps toward improving their quality of life and ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve.
Let us continue to spread awareness, offer support, and advocate for improved resources and care. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where individuals with Myasthenia Gravis can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.
As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month with us throughout the year. By amplifying voices, promoting education, and driving research and innovation, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals living with Myasthenia Gravis. Together, we can bring hope, understanding, and improved care to the Myasthenia Gravis community.
Sources:
https://myasthenia.org/Professionals/Clinical-Overview-of-MG