Myasthenia Gravis : Physiotherapy Treatment :

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuro-muscular disorder that causes weakness in the Body muscles, which are the muscles your body uses for movement. It occurs when communication between nerve cells and muscles becomes impaired. This impairment prevents crucial muscle contractions from occurring, resulting in muscle weakness.

According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, MG is the most common primary disorder of neuro-muscular transmission. It’s a relatively rare condition that affects between 14 and 20 out of every 100,000 people in the United States.

Which Symptom’s are seen in Myasthenia Gravis ?

The main symptom of MG is weakness in the voluntary body muscles

• trouble talking
• problems walking up stairs or lifting objects
• facial paralysis
• difficulty breathing due to muscle weakness
• difficulty swallowing or chewing
• fatigue
• hoarse voice
• drooping of eyelids
• double vision
• Eye muscles
• Face and throat muscles
• Altered speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Problems chewing
• Limited facial expressions
• Neck and limb muscles weakness

Which are the Causes of MS ?

• Antibodies
• Thymus gland

HOW INVESTIGATION IS DONE IN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS ?

• A physical and neurological examination
• A blood test
• Electrodiagnostics
• Diagnostic imaging.
• Pulmonary function testing

COMPLICATIONS IN MS :

Complications of myasthenia gravis are treatable, but some can be life-threatening.
– Myasthenic crisis
– Thymus tumors
– Other disorders:Underactive or overactive thyroid
Autoimmune condition

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT :

–Physiotherapy Treatment : aim to strengthen large muscle groups,particularly proximal muscles of shoulders and hips
-advice patient to do the exercise at their “best time of day” ie.whwn not feeling tired-for the majority of MG patients this will morning
-if patient has talking pyridsostigmine,exercise at peak dose ie.1.5 to 2 hours after taking dose.

• moderate intensity of exercise only:patient should not experience worsening of MG symptoms during exercise
• general aerobic exercise is also valuable,helping with respiratory function as well stamina
• Strengthening exercises should progress first from range of motion exercises to emphasize flexibility to exercises using light resistance in the form of a thera-band and finally to full resistance exercises using machines and free weights.
• A general exercise prescription for an average individual is 3 sets of 10 repetitions, while no distinct guidelines exist for individuals with MG, starting with a lower prescription of 3 sets of 5 repetitions may be advisable
• P- Planning daily activities
  A- Adapting the home, adequate rest, assistive equipment, asking for help
  C- Conserving energy, check-ups with doctor, cool temperature
  E- Emotional stability, exercising in moderation, eliminating unnecessary daily task -Build and maintain your muscular strength
  -Utilise warm up effects to reduce the impact of Myasthenia Gravis
  -Develop strategies for effective management of your condition specific to your individual needs
  -Decrease your risk of falling
  -Enhance your ability to function daily
  -Muscle strengthening
  -Joint flexibility / range
  -Completion of functional tasks and maintenance of independence
  -Balance
  -Smoothness and coordination of activities

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