MYASTHENIA GRAVIS (MG)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the neuromuscular junction, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
In Myasthenia Gravis, the immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy the receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine is essential for muscle contraction, and when its action is blocked, communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted, resulting in muscle weakness.
The hallmark symptom of Myasthenia Gravis is muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, known as fatigability. Common symptoms may include:
-
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
-
Double vision (diplopia)
-
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
-
Weakness in the arms, legs, or neck muscles
-
Facial muscle weakness, resulting in a "masked" appearance
-
Difficulty breathing in severe cases, due to weakness of respiratory muscles
Myasthenia Gravis can affect people of any age, but it most commonly affects young adult women and older men. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, ranging from mild weakness to severe muscle impairment that affects daily activities and quality of life.
Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve and muscle function, blood tests to detect antibodies, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans to evaluate the thymus gland, which is often abnormal in MG.
​
Management of Myasthenia Gravis often requires ongoing medical care and monitoring to adjust treatment based on disease progression and individual response. With proper management, many individuals with MG can achieve symptom control and lead fulfilling lives.
​
Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists can play a crucial role in helping patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here are some ways they can help:
​​01. Strength and Mobility Training
Physiotherapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve muscle strength, endurance, and mobility. These exercises are tailored to the specific needs and limitations of each individual with MG, focusing on areas of weakness and fatigue.​
​02. Functional Rehabilitation
Physiotherapists can assist patients in learning techniques to perform daily activities more efficiently, such as dressing, eating, and walking. They can teach strategies to conserve energy and minimize fatigue during activities of daily living.
​03. Balance and Coordination Exercises
Individuals with MG may experience balance and coordination difficulties due to muscle weakness. Physiotherapists can implement exercises and techniques to improve balance, coordination, and proprioception, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing mobility.
​​04. Respiratory Physiotherapy
For patients with MG who experience respiratory muscle weakness, physiotherapists can provide respiratory therapy interventions such as breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and airway clearance techniques to improve lung function and respiratory efficiency.​
​​05. Education and Self-Management
Physiotherapists can educate patients about MG, its symptoms, and the importance of exercise and physical activity in managing the condition. They can also teach self-management strategies, including energy conservation techniques, proper body mechanics, and strategies to minimize exacerbations.​
​06. Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids
Physiotherapists can assess the need for assistive devices and mobility aids, such as braces, orthoses, walking aids, and wheelchairs, to improve mobility and independence in daily activities.
Overall, Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists can provide holistic and personalized care to patients with MG, addressing their physical challenges, enhancing their functional abilities, and empowering them to lead active and fulfilling lives despite the limitations of their condition.
