If you have a loved one who has been recently diagnosed with a condition called myasthenia gravis, you may be wondering what the condition is and how it can be treated. Learn some of the important facts about myasthenia gravis and its treatment options here. Then, you can be sure you are able to provide your loved one with knowledgeable love and support.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a nervous system condition. It affects the connections between the nerves and the muscles of the body. This breakdown in the connections between the two can cause numerous symptoms and issues, as the muscles do not receive the proper signals from the nerves to contract or relax.
What Are the Signs of Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis affects the ways in which muscles in the body contract. So, if a person has this condition, their muscles may be overly relaxed and unable to contract properly. Drooping facial muscles are a common issue with people with myasthenia gravis.
A person with this condition may also experience double vision and difficulty swallowing. The legs and arms can also become weak as a result of the condition. These symptoms may develop gradually or could come on all of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere.
How Do You Deal with Myasthenia Gravis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myasthenia gravis. It is a chronic condition and may worsen over time. However, there are treatment options that can help a person to better manage and deal with the condition.
Most people with myasthenia gravis work closely with a neurology specialist to manage their condition. In terms of the treatment the neurology specialist will provide, there are several types of medications that can be taken alone or in combination to help a person with myasthenia gravis. Immunosuppressants are one type of medication that can help, and there are also medications that work directly to enhance communication between the muscles and the nerves.
Surgery is also a treatment option for people with myasthenia gravis. A gland known as the thymus may have a negative effect on people with myasthenia gravis. As such, a doctor may opt to remove the gland, which can help to relieve symptoms and improve a patient's overall quality of life.
Now that you know some of the main facts about myasthenia gravis, you can be sure that you are there to support your loved one and help them deal with this condition.
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