Patient Experience With Myasthenia Gravis

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.

Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Personal Experience With MG 2:29
General Diagnosis 9:26
Significant Symptoms 11:32
Clinical Trials and Research 17:56
MG Awareness Month 21:52