Myasthenia Gravis Anastasiya Lukecha Psychology 4th

Name Myasthenia Gravis MG Latin & Greek in origin, meaning “grave muscle weakness”.

Causes Antibodies produced by body that work against itself Antibodies produced by body that work against itself Defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles Defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles Occurs when normal communication between the nerve and muscle is interrupted at the neuromuscular junction (place where nerve cells connect with the muscles they control) Occurs when normal communication between the nerve and muscle is interrupted at the neuromuscular junction (place where nerve cells connect with the muscles they control)

Target Population

Affects on Brain Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities Disturbances of brain cholinergic systems

Symptoms Very greatly among individuals Weakness of eye muscles Difficulty swallowing &slurred speech Drooping of one or both eyelids blurred or double vision Change in facial expression Shortness of breath Weakness of arms, hands, fingers, legs & neck

Prognosis In most cases with treatment people can improve their muscle weaknesses and live normal lives Sometimes severe weakness may cause respiratory failure

Treatment Physical therapy reduces muscle weakness Anticholinesterase agents help improve neuromuscular transmission and increase muscle strength Immunosuppressive drugs improve muscle strength by suppressing the production of abnormal antibodies Can be expensive

Notable Case Phil Silvers (May 11, 1911 – November 1, 1985) American entertainer and comedic actor Starred in 1950’s sitcom “The Phil Silvers Show” played the role of sergeant Bilko Died of heart attack

Other Notable Cases Brandon Cox David Niven Aristotle Onassis Sir Lawrence Olivier "Sleepy" of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was

Organization Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, inc. (MGFA) “A World without MG” The only national volunteer health agency in US dedicated to the fight against MG Want to find a cure Jane Ellsworth founded the foundation in 1852 when her teenage daughter Pat was diagnosed

Work Cited s/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm s/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm breakthrough-treatment html breakthrough-treatment html 20diagnosed%20with%20mg.pdf 20diagnosed%20with%20mg.pdf