Myasthenia Gravis
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic auto-immune neuromuscular disorder that leads to rapid weakness and fatigue of the voluntary muscles of the body. Characteristically, individuals with MG experience muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. For more information about Myasthenia Gravis click here.
Information sheets from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America has some useful resources on its website. Although these are written for the American population, much of the information is applicable to anyone, anywhere living with MG.
General Information Pamphlets
- Caring for Children and Supporting Adolescents with Myasthenia Gravis (PDF)
- Dental Treatment Considerations (PDF)
- Facts About Autoimmune Myasthenia (PDF)
- Ocular MG (PDF)
- Things to Consider if you Have MG and Are Thinking About Getting Pregnant (PDF)
- Effects on Voice, Speech and Swallowing (PDF)
Medication/Treatment Brochures
- Azathioprine (Imuran®) (PDF)
- Cyclosporine (PDF)
- Emergency Management (PDF)
- Intraveneous Immunoglubulin (PDF)
- Emergency Alert Card (PDF)
- Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept®) (PDF)
- Prednisone (PDF)
- Pyridostigmine (Mestinon®) (PDF)
- Thymectomy (PDF)
Wellness Strategies
A “wellness strategy” is a plan of action you can develop to live as full a life as possible with your Myasthenia Gravis (MG). As you make a plan to live your best life with MG, you may need some tips and tools to help you along the way. This may include Tips for Daily Living; Exercise and Fitness; Nutrition and Employment. Click here for more information.
Home Injury Prevention
More people are injured in their homes than anywhere else. Those who have difficulty walking, double vision or general weakness and fatigue are at increased risk for injury. Of particular concern is the risk of falling. You can minimize your safety risks—especially your risk of falling— if you follow some suggestions. With some forethought, most accidents can be prevented. Click here for information on how to minimise an injury at home.
Caregivers
If someone you love has been diagnosed with MG, you want to be as helpful and supportive as possible. Research has shown us that family and friends play a very important role in helping a loved one deal with a chronic illness. When a person is diagnosed with MG, many things may change. A new diagnosis can be scary. And, everyone needs reassurance that the important things will stay the same. People diagnosed with a serious illness can feel helpless at first, and your support can truly make a difference. Click here for more information on how to support someone with MG.
Health Care Professionals
The international formal consensus of MG experts intends to be a guide for clinicians caring for patients with MG worldwide. Click here to access the consensus.
In 2008, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America published the first comprehensive manual on myasthenia gravis specifically for health care professionals. This handbook is written as an aid for health care personnel who are involved in the care and management of MG patients in the United States. The manual is divided into sections for ease in assisting the health care professionals in their evaluation, diagnosis and management of MG patients. Some of the information will be relevant to health care professionals in New Zealand. To access the Myasthenia Gravis: A Manual for the Health Care Provider please click here.
Useful WeSupport Groups
bsites
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America – http://www.myasthenia.org/
Support Groups
Myasthenia Gravis Support group, New Zealand (MGNZ)
There is a Facebook group created by MDANZ member Talitha Vial to support people with Myasthenia Gravis, or for the website click here. Contact Talitha 027 2203 138.