Autoimmune diseases linked to gluten sensitivity

Many autoimmune diseases can be linked to gluten: Addison's, Graves', Lupus, myasthenia gravis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, vitiligo, ulcerative colitis. If you have myasthenia gravis, you need to know about gluten grains.

A sensitivity to gluten has been found to be the cause of many health problems and even the primary cause for diseases. We have known for years about celiac disease, a genetic disease caused by gluten grains which damage the lining of the small intestine sometimes resulting in

Coexisting Autoimmune disease in myasthenia gravis patients

Newswise — Myasthenia gravis is a disorder that is often evidenced by abnormal functioning, mainly weakness, of the skeletal muscles. Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) demonstrate that there is a significant proportion of myasthenia patients with arrhythmias and co-morbid inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

During the meeting, Rachana Gandhi, MD presented an interesting

Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Myasthenia Gravis

Beyond the typical impairment of  motor function, myasthenia gravis has also been loosely associated with other neurological symptoms since its first descriptions. As an example, there have been older studies that have reported an increased incidence of epilepsy and electrophysiological changes in patients with MG. Sleep disorders and memory impairment have also been described in MG, as the cholinergic system plays a major role in these functions. However, the inappropriate methods of these previous studies precluded the establishment of any causal relationship between these findings and disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission. In addition, more recent studies have argued against central nervous system (CNS) compromise in MG.

On the other hand, MG is an autoimmune disease and as such can potentially interfere on the brain function determining behavioral changes, such as depressive disorders and suicidal behavior. Moreover, regarding MG as a chronic, debilitating, life-threatening disease with unpredictable progression, a psychological reaction may be expected in patients diagnosed with the disease. Thus, a subject with myasthenia gravis may be at increased risk of psychiatric disorders.

In the current study we aimed to investigate ...
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Lazy lifestyle killing welfare state

The Telegraph is reporting that couch potato lifestyles could put an end to the welfare state. A landmark report now warns that Britain's appalling couch potato lifestyle is one of the worst in the world. It could cause the collapse of the welfare state, the bombshell report warns.

Couch potato lifestyles have left the UK with one of the lowest levels of activity in the western world, and without change, the welfare state could collapse, health officials have warned.
A landmark report by Public Health England

What professionals say about vaccines and myasthenia gravis

From Science Daily: At the 2013 annual meeting of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) a study was introduced that is considered a good first step in collecting data on vaccine-preventable illnesses in patients with myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular disorder causing weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary (skeletal) muscles.

"This research is important because there is very little existing data to guide physicians in recommending vaccination for patients with myasthenia gravis," said Andrew Tarulli, MD, AANEM News Science Editorial Board member.

"Physicians, particularly primary care physicians, may under

How a young model found success - despite dealing with her rag-doll disease, myasthenia gravis.

A recent article in The Daily Mail (Online) reported on the success and determination of model, Clare-Alana Ford as she struggles with the rare muscle condition, myasthenia gravis.

As a model she has to hold hard, angular poses for long periods. But the condition causes her to suddenly become weak and 'floppy' without notice. Just like a rag-doll.

Ms Ford, 22, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, suffers from a bizarre condition that makes her body go limp and weak without warning.

The following article describes Ms Ford's journey, starting at age 17 when she first experienced symptoms and later when her thymus gland was surgically removed.

A fast acting 'vaccine' has been developed for myasthenia gravis

More than 60,000 Americans are dealing with myasthenia gravis (MG), an incurable autoimmune disease that causes weakness of the muscles. The primary treatments, which haven't changed since the 1950's are nonspecific immunosuppressants and inhibitors of the enzyme cholinesterase.

Recently , two researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have developed what might be called a fast-acting "vaccine" that

Myasthenia Gravis one of many causes of weakness

Excerpt from Chapter 12 , Evaluation of Patient with Weakness
Disorders of the Nervous System - Reeves and Swenson

Causes of weakness
There are many potential causes of weakness. Each of these conditions is explained in greater detail in the third section of the book and we will only briefly touch on the differential diagnosis once a decision has been made as to whether the weakness is due to damage to upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons, the neuromuscular junction or the muscle.

Muscle diseases. Muscle diseases are most often productive of proximal and symmetrical weakness. As described in the previous section, there may be EMG abnormalities and creatine kinase levels are often elevated. Some of these conditions are primary, with the pathologic process essentially restricted to the muscle, and some secondary,

Fear of Sex Sometimes Accompanies Chronic Illness

The fear of  having sexual relations is called genophobia. It's a physical or psychological fear of having sexual intercourse or any type of sexual relations. The fear of sexual relations can take a psychological toll on an individual – causing strong panic-attack-like feelings just before a possible sexual encounter or sometimes by just thinking about it. If these feelings of fear and panic are not confronted and corrected, an unnatural fear of sex can lead to a life of loneliness and isolation.

The natural intimacy and joy that is experienced

Scientists in UK discover how to 'switch-off" autoimmune disease

Press release issued: 3 September 2014
University of Bristol

This new discovery, while big news in the scientific community, may or may not be applicable to myasthenia gravis patients but it will certainly be a breakthrough for several other autoimmune diseases.

Research scientists have made an important breakthrough in the fight against debilitating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis by revealing how to stop cells attacking healthy body tissue.

Rather than the body’s immune system destroying its own tissue by mistake, researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered how cells convert from being aggressive to actually protecting against disease.

Study Links Cancer to Myasthenia Gravis and Offers New Therapeutic Approach

Readers of this blog may be aware of  a study that we posted in 2013 linking myasthenia gravis to cancers other than of the thymus. Now, a year later, researchers at George Washington University, led by Dr. Linda Kusner have found more evidence - plus hope for a new treatment that approaches control of the disorder and hope for a cure in a novel way. The following article, based on the research, explains more details.

Source: George Washington University
This report also appeared  in Rheumatology Update and Science Daily.
Autoimmune disorders may share certain pathogenic mechanisms with cancer, according to a US research report.

Described as “paradigm shifting”, the research shows the same inhibitors of apoptosis in tumours are also expressed in cells that produce autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D3 a Must for MG Patients

5,000 I.U. D3 - Vitabase

Most of us with MG know this, but the following overview of a study comparing vitamin D levels in MG patients with healthy subjects just confirms the fact. Bottom line: If you have myasthenia gravis, take 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day. Period.

Also, for more information about vitamin D3 visit the Vitamin D Council.

Here's an edited version of the study ...

Proper levels of Vitamin D serve an important role in both the autoimmune response and in skeletal muscle movement. The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D

Clinical Trial Of Soliris Starting For Myasthenia Gravis Patients

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has allowed orphan drug status for Alexion Pharmaceuticals' Soliris (eculizumab) for treating patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Myasthenia Gravis a rare, debilitating neuromuscular disorder brought on by uncontrolled complement activation. In patients with MG, such complement activation due to antibodies directed at the neuromuscular junction can ultimately lead to profound and debilitating weakness of various muscle groups throughout the body.

Alexion announced it is currently enrolling patients

Headaches In MG Patients Should Be Treated - Researchers Say

Many myasthenia gravis patients often complain that they have headaches. But, there hasn't been much in the way of  studies on the relation between chronic headaches and myasthenia gravis (MG). So, doctors at the Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, at Keio University in Japan conducted a clinical study aimed to discover if MG symptoms affect the development or worsening of chronic headache.

In the study of the participating 184 myasthenia

Deep Brain Stimulation may be used to treat Myasthenia Gravis, Lou Gehrig's disease and others diseases

A futuristic surgical procedure may hold the answer to treating the the most challenging of disorders. "Multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis and other neurological disorders."

From The Smithonian Institute

The list goes on, and watching Okun at work in the OR during a DBS procedure, it's as if he's out to make up for all those decades of frustration in the specialty he loves.Like most people in need of major surgery, Rodney Haning, a retired telecommunications project manager and avid golfer, has a few questions for his doctors. He wonders, for

SSI SSDI Disability Benefits for Myasthenia Gravis and Autoimmune Diseases Through Social Security

Help for Myasthenia Gravis Patients
that face financial burdens

Having an autoimmune disease like Myasthenia Gravis will change your life in many ways. For many, the financial burden can be great. The worry of losing an income may bring up the subject of applying for social security disability benefits. The following article by Ram Meyyappan offers an overview of the process of applying for benefits through the Social Security Administration and establishing your eligibility for SSI and SSDI.



Applying for Disability with Myasthenia Gravis

If you suffer from Myasthenia Gravis, you may be able to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s):
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and/or
2. Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) program.

To get benefits through either program,

Ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers-Squib) for skin cancer found to be associated with myasthenia gravis

The use of ipilimumab(Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of melanoma has been associated with the development of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that manifests as muscle weakness and fatigue, according to a report published April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The report, which describes 2 cases, is the first in the medical literature of ipilimumab-associated

A surprise diognosis added for woman with Multiple Autoimmune Diseases

Her name is Lauren, and she is a 26 year old women with an unusual collection of autoimmune diseases that includes Polyarthritis, Autoimmune Pancreatitis, Autoimmune Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and IgA Deficiency, and Sjogren’s Syndrome with neurological involvement. She writes about her struggles with dealing with sometimes dangerous new treatments, balancing relationships with family and friends, her difficulty in adapting to life in a wheelchair due to debilitating arthritis, and most importantly her quest to maintain hope and faith in herself through it all.

This is her story of suddenly having to face the arrival of yet another mystery guest

Yahoo's Nichole Rae tells her mother-in-law's story of being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis

Nichole Rae - Writer for Yahoo

My mother-in-law, Alma, has been living with the autoimmune disease known as myasthenia gravis for seven years now. It is a serious and incurable condition characterized primarily by muscle weakness and fatigue. I have known her for 20 years and she is one of the most positive and happy people I have ever met. Even with this unfortunate diagnosis, her resolve is strong and her optimism unfaltering. Alma was more than happy to share her life experiences so far with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis can be a difficult disease to diagnose, sometimes taking

Mercury Poisoning may be linked to Myasthenia gravis, autoimmune diseases.

Freya Koss

By Freya Koss
In 1998 I was struck with double vision seven days after having an old silver amalgam filling removed and replaced with a new one. Within weeks I developed drooping eyelids, loss of equilibrium, swollen mandibular glands, worsening eyelight, ataxia and other neurological symptoms. A neurologist at a large teaching hospital diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). At first he thought I might have Lupus, and then another neuroloigst diagnosed me with Myasthenia Gravis because of my dropping eyelids and my optomotrist considere MS or a brain tumor.

My blood work indicated a 10,000 ANA titer, elevated liver enzymes

Pharmaceutical trial for eculizumad (Soliris) announced for patients with mysathenis gravis and neuromyelitis

Cheshire Connecticut - April 24 2014 -  TAlexion Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ALXN) today announced the initiation of a single, multinational, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of eculizumab (Soliris®) in patients with relapsing neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a life-threatening, ultra-rare neurologic disorder. Alexion also initiated a single, multinational, placebo-controlled trial in patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (MG), another rare and debilitating neurologic disorder.

Mouse study of MuSK MG reveals cause - opens door to possible therapies

If you're feeling strangely tired and droopy-eyed, especially toward the end of the day or if you're occasionally seeing double and slurring your speech, there's a slight chance – 1 in 5,000 for Americans – that you have myasthenia gravis (MG). The chances are even slimmer – less than 1 in 50,000 – that you have a rare form of MG that doesn't respond well to available treatments (MuSK). There's no cure for MG, only treatments that alleviate the symptoms. But hope may be on the horizon for those who have

Wrongly diagnosed and treated for myasthenia gravis Robert Wyble wins 4 million dollar law suit

Robert Wyble describes his ordeal of being misdiagnosed
with myasthenia gravis and the subsequent law suit.

NEW YORK:  — A prominent New York doctor has been ordered to pay up, after a patient said he was left sick and disabled after treatment for myasthenia gravis - which he did not have!
Robert Wyble,a landscaper, won the multi-million dollar jury verdict against neurologist Dr. Dale Lange.

Robert Wyble, 42, of Pine Island, Orange County, says he had his chest sawed open to remove his thymus gland, underwent biweekly blood treatments and was put on medication that caused him to gain 80 pounds and get hypertension — all

Azathioprine: A close-up of the immuneosuppressant drug widely used to treat myasthenia gravis

Azathioprine (abbreviated and often refereed to as AZA) is an immunosuppressive drug that is used in organ transplantation (especially kidney) and to reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It belongs to the chemical class of purine analogues. Originally synthesized  as a cancer drug and as a prodrug for mercaptopurine in 1957, it has been widely used as an immunosuppressant for more than 50 years.

Azathioprine acts as a prodrug for mercaptopurine, inhibiting an enzyme that is required for the synthesis of DNA. Thus it most strongly affects proliferating cells, such as the T cells and B cells of the immune system.

The primary adverse effect of azathioprine is that it can

Turmeric and it's Amazing Health Benefits

Almost out of turmeric 

Today I noticed that my big turmeric jar was close to being empty. Time to buy more. And it looks like I need more of the high potency extract that I use too.

Since discovering it's many uses, I can't bare to be without it. I've concluded that it helps me in countless ways. Numerous studies back me up. I've come to understand that it helps protect me from developing certain cancers (especially skin cancer), inhibits virus and bacterial growth, relieves my arthritis ( in my knees), strengthens me and increases my energy levels and helps me think more clearly (helping to remove the MG brain fog). Yep - all that - and more-from a bright yellow spice that's found in many kitchens around the world!

I had been using turmeric as a spice for years; long before I contracted myasthenia gravis. It adds depth to curry dishes, color for yellow rice (way cheaper than saffron) and it was my secret ingredient in deviled eggs. Like so many others, after I got MG, I went on the hunt for vitamins and supplements that would help me control the MG symptoms. I made many discoveries that have considerably helped me in that department but, along the way, I discovered the miraculous healing power for turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin.

Can Nodule On Thyroid Discovered by a CT Scan be Associated with Myasthenia Gravis?

I was 62 years old when I began to be treated for myasthenia gravis . I'm 64 now. For various reasons I put off having the usually recommended CT of the thymus gland until a just a couple of weeks ago. My thymus was "unremarkable" - no growths and no thymoma but the CT showed a 2 cm nodule on the thyroid gland and a tiny spot on my lung. Since I have myasthenia gravis, a mystery disease, a growth on my thyroid opened up yet another possibility for detective work: could there be a connection?

Deep Relaxation Proven Effective Management of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Relax... It's The Healthy Choice For You.

Learn how to use deep relaxation to help you live more comfortably with Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Stress has been shown to worsen the symptoms in those with autoimmune diseases. Deep relaxation helps to significantly reduce stressful reactions to circumstances.

You might not consider the word  'Relaxation' relevant when you think of multiple sclerosis (MS). For those with MS, just living with it is extremely stressful. During a flare up, even the easiest of physical tasks can seem impossible to accomplish. Coping with MS is a huge challenge for the those suffering with it and for their family and friends.

The impact of stress on MS episodes

A major study at the University of California (reported in

Myasthenia Crisis and TC Triggered by Emotional Stress - A Case Report

Said R Beydoun

Said R Beydoun, JingTian Wang, Reed Loring Levine and Ali Farvid 
Abstract
Introduction
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular junction post-synaptic autoimmune disorder. Myasthenic crisis is characterized by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare clinical syndrome defined as a profound but reversible left ventricular dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease.

Case presentation
We report a unique case of a 60-year-old Hispanic woman with myasthenia gravis who developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy and concomitant myasthenic crisis that appear to have been triggered by a stressful life event. On admission, she presented with severe mid-sternal chest pain and shortness of breath

Re-released Documentary - Beauty Does Lie: The Untold Stories of Autoimmune Diseases

Released: 2/25/2014 10:00 AM EST
Source Newsroom: American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA - MARCH IS NATIONAL AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH 2014 Newswise —

Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Courtney G. Smith, has teamed up with the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. (AARDA) to raise awareness of autoimmune disease among African American women in 2014. The partnership will launch in March during National Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month with the reissuing of Smith’s groundbreaking documentary,

UK Women with MG loses weight despite Dr's prediction

by David Knights for Keighley News

Beth Blackwell was told that her medical condition, myasthenia gravis, meant she would not be able to lose weight.

But the Keighley woman proved her doctor wrong by losing 2st 9lbs in just six months, despite being unable to exercise.

Beth, who has the autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis, puts her success down to joining Weight Watchers.

Can Diet and Vitamins Improve Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis and Celiac Disease…Are they sisters/brothers in the Autoimmune Family? Can diet and vitamins improve or eliminate symptoms? I think the answer is yes.

I come from a family with an Aunt that has Lupus and Raynaud’s, 2 brothers with Type 1 Diabetes, I have MG and Celiac, Husband Celiac, all 3 children Celiac and one of my Daughters also got Graves Disease right as we caught the Celiac Disease. We saved her thyroid by diet, vitamins and on meds for one year. She is totally cured from Graves.

Marijuana user with myasthenis gravis shares personal experience

It's ironic that a state like Illinois has approved medical marijuana treatment for myasthenia gravis while at the same time reports that smoking weed may actually aggravate the symptoms. On the surface, at least chemically, there doesn't appear to be a conflict, perhaps other factors could be in play. The post below was found at CannibasRehab's forum and is re-posted here as strictly anecdotal information. To be fair, there are numerous reports that smoking or ingesting weed has no affect (on the symptoms of MG).
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Hello anyone looking for information on whether the disease Myasthenia Gravis could be tied to, or affected by your smoking a lot of marijuana.

Myasthenia Gravis Treatment - Past, Present and Future

From JCI, Journal of Clinical Investigation, after a brief history of the disease the following article presents a unique overview of myasthenia gravis and how treatment may be likely to proceed.

 Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune syndrome caused by the failure of neuromuscular transmission, which results from the binding of autoantibodies to proteins involved in signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These proteins include the nicotinic AChR or, less frequently, a muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) involved in

Researchers Surprised - Pain Associated with Myasthenia Gravis Reported in Survey

Newswise — Pain associated with myasthenia gravis is apprently under reported to treating physicians. Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder primarily characterized by muscle weakness and muscle fatigue, reported in a new survey by Penn State University researchers that the disease impacts their quality of life.

While this finding is not totally unexpected, the fact that a significant percentage reported experiencing pain as a result of their illness is. "That such a large number of surveyed patients reported pain associated with myasthenia gravis," explained researcher Dr. Milind Kothari, "is very surprising."

Kothari and fellow researcher, Dr. Kevin Scott, anticipated that most of those surveyed would indicate that

Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms Appear Suddenly to Missouri Family

The Carlsons or Carthage / From Carlson Family Photos

MyastheniaGravisBlog.com posts articles and links to stories about individuals and familes that are dealing with the challanges of myasthenia gravis. Perhaps by reading these stories we can gain a some insight and perspective as we deal with our own issues.

Below is the story of the Carlsons and the mysterious visitor that came into their lives just a few months ago.

Drugs to Avoid If You Have Myasthenia Gravis

From MGFA

Important Statement 

Identifying drugs to avoid if you have myasthenia gravis is not necessarily cut and dry. Many different drugs have been associated with worsening myasthenia gravis (MG). However, these drug associations do not necessarily mean that a patient with MG should not be prescribed these

Case Report: Double Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Our daily search for updates regarding myasthenia gravis turned up the following case study from The Journal of Medical Case Reports. As noted in the introduction, myasthenia gravis is often related to other autoimmune diseases and outside conditions. It is the opinion of many that when myasthenia gravis presents itself, it can be a symptom of or associated with another disease. In the following case study the suspected associated condition is antiphospholipid syndrome.

"Why I Can't Smile" - A Single Mom's Story About Living with Myasthenia Gravis

Amy Guy - The Woman Who 

Couldn't Smile

Many of us with generalized  myasthenia gravis have difficulty communicating through facial expressions. The muscles that normally reflect mood, pleasure laughter or a simple smile are expressions that just don't work properly. So we are often misunderstood during both our speaking and our feedback to others when we are listening. Even after 30 years of marriage my wife will sometimes misinterpret an otherwise lighthearted quip as cutting sarcasm because I cannot smile enough to indicate that 'I'm joking'.

When I ran across the story of Amy Guy, a single mom, I was particularly taken with the headline of "Why I can't smile". It's something that we MGers are aware of but we don't talk about very much. So, from across the pond, the story is re-posted here on MyastheniaGravisBlog.com

Free Radicals May Affect MG and Autoimmune Disease

Steven Lau

By Steven Lau

It is suspected that free radicals are the root cause of many diseases. While most studies look at free radicals in the context of the aging process, Steven Lau suspects that there may be a connection between free radicals and MG. Steven, who has MG himself, has researched and written extensively about MG. His book, 'My Myasthenia Gravis' is an account of his research as he developed his own Holistic Approach to finding relief from the symptoms of MG. The following article, discussing free radicals, is from a recent post to his MG disorder blog.

Cells make up your body's organs. As these cells die, your body's organs

Prednisone side effects: Leg muscle cramps and spasms

Sometimes the 'cure' for a disease can have side effects that are almost as bad as the disease itself. Such is the case for many patients that are being treated with Prednisone. While the list of Prednisone side effects are many, one that might sneak up on you (and your doctor) is leg muscle cramps and spasms (charlie horses). And if you're also taking Mestinon (pyridostigmine), as most MG patients are, you might suspect it rather than the predsnidone. A logical assumption for sure. But overlooking the prednisone side effect of erratic muscle activity in the legs - especially in the calf and

Medical marijuana approved for myasthenia gravis in the state of Illinois

Agencies prepare as Illinois medical marijuana law takes effect
By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer for Rock River Times

Medical marijuana has been approved for use by patients with myasthenia gravis in Illinois. The state is now among 19 others that have enacted legislation last year to legalize medical marijuana. The new law went into effect Jan. 1st, 2014. Myasthenia gravis is not usually listed specifically in medical marijuana legislation so it is noteworthy that lawmakers in Illinois decided to do so. A list of qualifying illnesses is below.