2006-09-04 12:25:39 · 7 answers · asked by JC 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It is not a "precursor" to more serious neurological diseases, but it can be a serious disease in itself. What it can indicate is that the person with MG may have a higher chance of having other autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have myasthenia gravis, and it's not a form of muscular dystrophy, but it is a neuromuscular disease, which is why the MDA supports research for and patients with MG. MG is serious and can be life-threatening.
2006-09-05 15:20:14 · answer #1 · answered by J B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Doctor J - Myasthenia gravis IS very much a serious neurological condition.
The problem is that it is VERY variable between patients and within patients. That is to say different patients have different severities and differing groups of muscles affected. And at different times the same patient can be affected to varying severity. When the disease affects muscles in the face and to do with swallowing and breathing it can be EXTREMELY serious and can actually cause death if not treated as an emergency. The disease is also often associated with a kind of tumour called a thymoma which is usually benign but can rarely be cancerous and potentially lifethreatening from that separate point of view.
At the same time other patients may have a little bit of a drooping eyelid or just get mildly tired at the end of the day.
Also, contrary to what the person above said Myasthenia Gravis is emphatically NOT a form of muscular dystrophy. The same charities may deal with it, but the disease is medically completely unrelated. It is also NOT the same disease as lambert eaton myasthenia syndrome, as another answerer suggested - the two diseases have completely different underlying causes and only share some superficial features in common.
2006-09-05 08:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Myasthenia gravis is itself a neurologic condition that may have very serious effects depending on the severity of the case. You can certainly refer the the link provided above for more information on it.
However myasthenia gravis may also be a sign of another problem including malignancy (cancer). This condition is called Eaton-Lambert myasthenia gravis. The mechanism by which this condition manifests is slightly different but the end result is the same - weakness. In either case, the condition can affect your respiratory muscles including the diaphragm. Obviously if you can't breath, you will not do well.
2006-09-04 13:25:51 · answer #3 · answered by littleturtleboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Myasthenia Gravis is a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Go to mda.org/disease/mg.aspx Did you watch the Labor Day Telethon today? There's hope!
2006-09-04 15:05:02 · answer #4 · answered by pickitngrin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Myasthenia Gravis IS A SERIOUS NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE!
2006-09-04 12:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm#67993153
Here is all kinds of information on Myasthenia Gravis.
2006-09-04 12:29:36 · answer #6 · answered by sarah14 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that in itself is a pretty serious disease.
2006-09-07 17:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by pixles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋