Thomas Bartlett, myasthenia gravis patient and Patient Ambassador for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), discusses his personal experience with the disease and keeping hope for future treatment options and care.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles. The condition results from a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, which is due to the presence of antibodies against acetylcholine. The exact reason this occurs is not known. Common symptoms include weakness of the muscles that control:
- Eye and eyelid
- Facial expressions
- Chewing
- Talking
- Swallowing
Weakness tends to increase during periods of activity and improve after periods of rest.
Mr. Bartlett describes MG as insidious, which can be seen from his personal experience with disease. From not having any noticeable symptoms to receiving a life altering diagnosis almost overnight, Mr. Bartlett has become a passionate advocate for MG patients.
Due to a varied clinical presentation MG can be difficult to diagnose and manage. However, recent advancements have made novel treatment options possible and the education of physicians may help with accurate and timely diagnosis.
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.
To learn about current clinical trials in the MG community, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=Myasthenia%20Gravis
To learn more about myasthenia gravis and other rare musculoskeletal diseases, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/musculoskeletal-diseases/