Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune neuromuscular disease that’s characterized by weakness in the voluntary muscles (muscles you can control) such as the eyes, face, jaw, neck, arms, and legs. With MG, the immune system attacks the communication between the nerve signals and the muscles, causing weakness and loss of control of these muscles.
Though MG can occur at any age, the onset of symptoms most commonly happens in women under 40 and men over 60.1
Ocular weakness is typically one of the first signs of MG. This is when muscles that control eye and eyelid movement cause a partial paralysis of eye movements, double vision, and droopy eyelids. Roughly half of those who first experience these symptoms will go on to develop muscle weakness and/or fatigue in the rest of their body within two years—typically in their neck and arms first, then their legs.2 Lifting one’s arms over their head, standing up from a seated position, walking long distances, and climbing stairs may become more and more difficult. MG symptoms can appear suddenly with rapid fatigue and loss of muscle control.
Positive Self Management
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation provides a wealth of resources for MG patients and their families including disease education, research, community events, and wellness strategies. In addition to a patient’s medical/treatment protocol, wellness strategies and positive self management can improve day-to-day quality of life for those living with MG. According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, some of those strategies include:
Sharing facts about MG with family, friends, and coworkers as you feel comfortable
Learning ways to cope
Conserving energy
Staying cool
Accepting help
Potentially recovering some strength through low impact movement and exercise
Proper nutrition and diet modification to help with chewing and swallowing
Learning your rights in the workplace
You can learn more and dive deeper into these wellness strategies here.
Although there is no cure for MG, treatment can help relieve and lessen symptoms. The type of treatment depends on age, disease severity, and how fast it’s progressing. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors can improve muscle contraction and muscle strength in some people. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can lessen the immune system attacks. Immunosuppressants can help alter the immune system. All of these medications, however, can cause serious side effects with prolonged use.3
Infusion treatments such as IVIG and other infused medications are typically used to treat worsening MG symptoms. Because medication is infused directly into the bloodstream, a healthcare professional should be present to administer the infusion and monitor the patient for side effects.
How BioMatrix Can Help
BioMatrix helps manage the individual needs of patients requiring infused medications by providing options for administration site of care, education, and support to help improve quality of life. Knowledgeable pharmacists and care coordination staff guide each patient through the potential medication side effects and, working with the prescribing physician, help manage treatment to reduce the prevalence and severity of relapses.
The BioMatrix clinical team includes compassionate nurses who have extensive training and experience with rare diseases, infusion therapies, and complex medical conditions. Our nurses work together with patients, caregivers, pharmacists, and prescribers to coordinate the optimal site of care (including home infusion), conduct nursing interventions, and provide patient education.
Learn more about our individualized specialty pharmacy services for patients with MG and other neurological disorders.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.
Stay informed on the latest trends in healthcare and specialty pharmacy.
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, BioMatrix Abstract.
By giving us your contact information and signing up to receive this content, you'll also be receiving marketing materials by email. You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy. Our mailing list is private and will never be sold or shared with a third party. Review our Privacy Policy here.
References
(2023). Myasthenia Gravis. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Signs and Symptoms. Muscular Dystrophy Association. https://www.mda.org/disease/myasthenia-gravis/signs-and-symptoms
(2021). Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352040
