Most Common Symptoms and Treatments in Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a challenge that many face courageously every day, an autoimmune disorder that affects the connection between nerves and muscles, leading to episodes of muscle weakness. It's a journey that begins with understanding how one's immune system plays an unexpected role, mistakenly attacking the communication between one's nerves and muscles.

• The most common symptoms are drooping eyelids and double vision, along with unusual muscle fatigue.
• Diagnosis is a crucial step and can be confirmed with simple tests such as applying ice or taking rest breaks to see if there is an improvement in eyelid drooping. Other useful tests include electromyography and blood tests.
• In terms of treatment, there is hope. Some medications can quickly improve muscle strength, and others can slow the progression of the disease, allowing individuals to lead more active and fulfilling lives.
• In the event of a myasthenic crisis, treatments such as the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis are effective options for managing the situation.

In this community, sharing experiences and supporting each other is of great value. Facing the challenges of myasthenia gravis together makes us stronger, thanks to the strength we draw from being united. It's important to remember that, even in difficult moments, we are never alone.

Most Common Symptoms

Below, you will find the most common symptoms shared by our community of patients suffering from myasthenia, who have generously decided to contribute to research to spread knowledge about the disease and help others navigate it with greater understanding and solidarity. Our strength lies in personal stories and collective experience, which illuminate the path towards greater awareness and management of the condition.Through the testimonies collected on the mama health platform and other similar spaces, the most frequently experienced symptoms clearly emerge:

1. Blurred or double vision - 72%
2. Drooping of one or both eyelids (Ptosis) - 70%
3. Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) - 68%
4. Weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, and neck - 50%
5. Difficulty breathing - 42%
6. Changes in facial expressions - 37%

This exchange of experiences enriches and unites us as a community, highlighting how important every voice is to better understand life with myasthenia. We are committed to being by your side, offering support and guidance, and consider every personal experience essential in our common fight to improve the quality of life.

Most Common Aggravating Factors

It's important for patients to feel supported and understood in managing their symptoms to improve their quality of life. Knowing and understanding what can worsen the symptoms of myasthenia gravis is critical for well-being.Some common factors can influence the severity of symptoms, but it's important to remember that every experience is unique. Although myasthenia gravis symptoms vary from person to person, these are the most frequently observed aggravating factors:

1. Stress - 440 people
2. Heat - 240 people
3. Physical strain - 145 people
4. Fatigue - 132 people
5. Lack of sleep - 117 people
6. Cold - 58 people
7. Physical exercise - 44 people

Being aware of the factors that can worsen myasthenia gravis symptoms represents a fundamental step towards effective self-management of the disease. We encourage every patient to keep a symptom diary to identify their personal triggers and discuss them with their doctor.Through sharing experiences and mutual support, we can build a stronger and more informed community, capable of facing every challenge this condition presents.

Most Common Comorbidities

The term comorbidity refers to the presence of one or more health conditions in addition to a main disease. In the case of myasthenia gravis, comorbidities are other medical conditions that a person may have along with myasthenia gravis. This helps us understand that each person has their own unique story, made up of personal experiences that need to be listened to and understood.

The relationship between myasthenia and other diseases can go in both directions. Some diseases may develop because of myasthenia, while others may already be present and affect how myasthenia gravis develops or progresses.

The connection between myasthenia gravis and other diseases is complicated and depends on various factors, such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and medical treatments. Here are the most commonly reported comorbidities by the patient community:

1. Hypertension - 92 people
2. Clinical Depression - 72 people
3. Diabetes Mellitus - 65 people
4. Fibromyalgia - 61 people
5. Hypo/hyperthyroidism - 53 people
6. Anxiety - 52 people
7. Asthma - 50 people
8. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - 40 people
9. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - 34 people
10. Encephalitis - 32 people

In the lives of those dealing with myasthenia gravis, comorbidities are more than just a clinical challenge; they represent parts of a personal story that ties together health, hopes, and daily life. These additional conditions deeply affect quality of life and influence the journey towards well-being.