Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an auto immune disease characterised by a fluctuating and sometimes fatal muscle weakness. The defining feature of myasthenia gravis is painless muscle weakness that fatigues - in other words the muscles weaken more rapidly on use than is normal. Myasthenia gravis affects about one person in every 10,000 in the UK. The disorder can start at any age from childhood onwards and the chance of developing it increases with age
Between patients, the disease varies widely in severity and pattern of progression. In the early stages, the weakness can be intermittent. Often the first sign is drooping of the eyelids or double vision. About 15 percent of patients only ever have eye muscle weakness – this is called ocular myasthenia. The others also have more widespread weakness - generalized myasthenia. These patients can develop weakness of the face, swallowing, and chewing muscles, slurring of speech, and weakness of the limbs and neck. In severe cases, weakness of the breathing muscles can occur. Problems with swallowing or coughing can cause choking.
Activities taken for granted by many people, become difficult or even impossible at times for MG sufferers —things such as eating, lifting arms, speaking to friends or even laughing. There is no cure…
The Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA) is the only charity working to represent those that suffer with this illness in the UK. We get no government funding and rely on support and fundraising to give Myasthenics and their families the Care, Education and Research that they need.
www.mga-charity.org
Charity Reg. No. 1046443 |
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