Exercising Hints and Cautions

by Sarah Blaschke

A moderate amount of exercise can reduce the intensity and frequency of the recurring bouts of muscle fatigue, because people who are more fit will be more resistant to the disease and experience less severe symptoms. Exercise can also combat the weight gain and bone weakening that are side effects of the steroid-based drugs sometimes prescribed for Myasthenia Gravis (MG).


Levels of Exercise
Exercise regimens for people with Myasthenia Gravis are designed to improve strength and stamina for easier completion of daily tasks. For a

When Too Much Stress is Just ...Too Much

Stress and Myasthenia Gravis
By Judith Schiffbauer, MSW

Most Myasthenia Gravis patients learn very quickly that emotional stress and excitement affects their MG.  Stress causes many physical changes in one’s body and uses up energy.  The end result of tense muscles caused by stress can be similar to the effect of vigorous exercise – it may exacerbate your symptoms of weakness.

Much of the literature cautions people with MG to limit their stress and avoid conflicts, but you might well ask, “How?” when life is by nature

Myasthenia Gravis: Never heard of it!

The problem with identifying MG is that it has multiple symptoms that may come and go over a long period of time. Each symptom, by itself, is more commonly associated with other ailments other than Myasthenia Gravis. It's simply tough to connect the dots; to associate one complaint with an entirely different one, possibly months later. It's so rare that many doctors may never see a single case of the disease in their entire careers. The following post illustrates the frustrating experience of somebody seeing their friend suffer with Myasthenia Gravis for years before finally being diagnosed.

How Nerve Meets Muscle and Begins to Talk

How Nerve Meets Muscle and Begins to Talk

By Sandra Blakeslee

FOR the first time, scientists report, they have been able to eavesdrop on a biochemical conversation that occurs during the wiring of nerves to muscles, deciphering a fundamental step in development. The findings may one day help scientists develop new treatments for nerve injuries and neuromuscular diseases like Myasthenia Gravis.

MG Preceded by Impaired Sense of Smell

Changes in the ability to smell and taste can be caused by a simple cold or upper respiratory tract infection, but they may also be among the first signs of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Now, new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed an association between an impaired sense of smell and Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating fatigue and muscle weakness. The findings are published in the latest edition of PLOS ONE.

"This study demonstrates, for the first time, that Myasthenia

MGFA Ohio Chapter Closes

It is with deep regret that I must announce the dissolution of the Ohio Chapter. The Ohio Chapter will cease operations as a non-profit organization serving Ohio members as a chapter of the national organization Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Support groups throughout Ohio will continue to meet as scheduled through the local support group leaders. The MGFA will provide services to new patients and existing members through its telephone line, web page, newsletters, etc. Direct and personal patient services will not be provided in