Myasthenia Gravis
New York-Presbyterian/Columbia has been internationally recognized as a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis for more than 50 years.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the acetylcholine receptors that bridge nerve endings and muscle tissues. This in turn reduces the ability of the neurotransmitter compound acetylcholine to stimulate the muscles. Patients with myasthenia gravis experience increasing muscle weakness during activity, which is relieved during rest. The condition has a pronounced effect on muscles involved in eye movement, talking, chewing, and swallowing. Other muscle groups are also affected, including those involving breathing, which means that patients may be vulnerable to respiratory paralysis.
The exact cause of the myasthenia gravis is not fully understood, but the thymus gland, located under the breast bone, plays an important role in causing the immune system's attack on the acetylcholine receptors.
Read about myasthenia gravis treatments.
Research
Our current research efforts are directed towards the development of a more standardized staging system to allow comparison of different medical and surgical therapies, including robotically assisted minimally invasive thymectomy (removal of the thymus gland). Read about myasthenia gravis resources available to patients and their families.
Related Links
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.
mgfa@myasthenia.org
http://www.myasthenia.org
Tel: 800.541.5454; 651.917.6256
Fax: 651.917.1835
With chapters throughout the U.S., the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America engages in patient advocacy activities and funds clinical trials and general research into the cause and cure of MG. Patients, family members and care givers can access local chapters for support groups as well as informational and educational materials.
Click here to visit the New York Chapter (http://www.myasthenia.org/mgfa_chapterinfo_multi.cfm?Chapter_ID=17).
