- Is Myasthenia Gravis contagious? No, Myasthenia Gravis is not contagious.
- Is Myathenia Gravis hereditary? Research does not support a hereditary component, however, there is a small percentage who will see at least one family member, in addition to themselves, with MG.
- Is there a special diet or supplementation that can help me control my symptoms? Overall health and supporting good nutrition is vital in helping MG but there is no definitive studies that support a particular dietary approach. Work with your health care team in finding a diet that is best for your overall health. Please note that dietary magnesium should be avoided in moderate to large amounts unless otherwise deficient or directed by a physician as magnesium is noted to exacerbate MG weakness. Magnesium can be found in large amounts in quinoa, tonic water, quinine, Epsom salts, mineral water and more.
- What can I expect from Myasthenia Gravis? Perhaps the most pressing question is what to expect from this complicated disease. The answer is as complicated as the disease itself. Highly variable from individual to individual, MG will manifest in different ways. However, you can expect changing symptoms that will fluctuate day to day and sometimes hour to hour, a need to adjust your previous way of living that is appropriate for your personal experience and an essential need to plug in to support communities. It is common to go through a grieving cycle that can rise up again during times of exacerbation, stress or life style alteration that may be difficult to accept or adjust to.
- Is Myasthenia Gravis fatal? Yes, Myasthenia Gravis can be fatal. While advancements in emergency intervention has changed the percentage of Myasthenic death drastically, it is still a disease to take very seriously and can result in death. Lack of appropriate emergency clinical intervention, delay in treatment, patient severity, and access to care plays a large role. Estimates vary from 2-10% of the Myasthenic population. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say what percentage is accurate in morbidity statistics in Myasthenia Gravis as it is not always reported correctly as the cause of death or secondary contributor. Steps are being enacted immediately by the Myasthenia Gravis Hope Foundation to lead the way in halting and reversing the leading causes of Myasthenic death.
Above it all, there is great hope in finding a strong and supportive community, a skilled physician, improved pharmaceutical management, stabilization and remission.