Myasthenia gravis

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder caused by antibodies that attack and weaken the muscles, leading to signs and symptoms of muscle weakness. It is thought to affect around 60,000 people in the United States alone. Patients with MG usually experience difficulty with activities such as walking, speaking, swallowing, and lifting objects. There are two main types of MG: ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) and generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). OMG affects only the muscles that control eye movements while GMG affects the muscles throughout the body.

Types of Difficulties Faced by Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

Patients with MG often experience a wide range of difficulties due to muscle weakness. These can include difficulty breathing or speaking; difficulty chewing or swallowing food; drooping eyelids; double vision; facial paralysis; difficulty lifting objects; fatigue; and depression or anxiety due to living with a chronic condition. Depending on the severity of their condition, patients may also require assistance in activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing.

Aeon Nursing Approach to Myasthenia Gravis

At Aeon Nursing, we understand that providing complex care services requires expert knowledge and understanding of neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis. Our nurses are trained in recognising the signs and symptoms associated with this condition and are experienced in providing comprehensive care plans tailored to each individual patient’s needs.

We provide support through physical therapy interventions such as stretching exercises, electrical stimulation treatments, massage therapy and more to help reduce muscle fatigue, improve mobility and strength, manage pain levels, increase independence in activities of daily living, psychological counselling for emotional wellbeing, education about available treatments for symptom management (such as medications), practical assistance for managing everyday tasks at home such as meal preparation or housework, supportive conversations about coping strategies for adverse effects associated with treatment options (such as side effects from medications) , nutrition advice for maintaining healthy energy levels during flare-ups or periods of increased weakness etc. Ultimately our goal is to ensure that each patient receives safe personalised care while living independently at home.