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General Information

There is a disease called Myasthenia Gravis (MG) which affects 1:15,000 in America today. It occurs in children of all ages and races, as well as adults.

Types

There are three different types of MG which occur in children.

• NEONATAL MG, which occurs in infants born to mothers with MG. This condition disappears soon after birth.

• CONGENITAL MG,  which is present at birth and continues throughout the child's life.

• JUVENILE MG,  which is similar to the MG found in adults. This usually occurs in the teen years.

Normally the nerve impulse, which causes a muscle to function, passes down from the brain to the nerve and on to the muscle fiber. In other words, the nerve conducts or carries the impulse to the junction of the nerve and muscle. In MG, the area on the muscle which receives the impulse is damaged by antibodies, so there are fewer "plug in places" (receptor sites) to receive the message and relay the signal properly. However, the problem may be at the nerve side of the neuro-muscular

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junction as seen in Congenital MG. Congenital MG is a collection of disorders of the nerve to muscle transmission that affect the structure or function of the nerve terminal. The problem is not caused by antibodies, as in juvenile or adult MG.

The child with MG may have drooping of one or both eyelids and may say he or she is tired most of the time. The child tries to continue with the usual daily activities, but it soon becomes apparent that he or she can't and it becomes necessary for the parents to seek help for the child.

Children are often not able to pinpoint their physical feelings and are frequently labeled non-cooperative, sullen or lazy, when in reality they can't keep up physically with their friends. The child may be falling frequently, can't see the ball as it approaches, can't hold up the bat to hit the ball and does not have the energy to run. Don't discount off hand what the child is saying. There may be something seriously wrong which should be looked into. It may take a few months or years and several different physicians before a diagnosis is made and confirmed.

Change the face of childhood MG!

WE need your help.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR

• DIFFICULTY READING may develop at home or in school because of double vision.

• SLURRED SPEECH and/or nasal quality, fading voice or a change in tone or pitch may make it difficult to understand what is being said.

• EATING PROBLEMS  may develop in a child who never had trouble eating, who develops difficulty chewing or swallowing and who may choke on solids or liquids. The child may say he or she is too tired to eat.

• FACIAL EXPRESSION MAY CHANGE  and the child may look sullen. The corners of the mouth may turn down and the child may drool.

• THE CHILD MAY BECOME "CLUMSY" and stumble and drop things.

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• HANDWRITING CHANGES MAY OCCUR - and the writing may become sloppy or illegible. The child has difficulty holding a pen or pencil for any length of time and may have difficulty completing assignments in school or at home.

• THE CHILD MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL because brushing of teeth, combing of hair or getting dressed  may be tiring as a result of arm or shoulder muscle weakness.

• THE CHILD MAY DEVELOP PROBLEMS SOCIALIZING - and may begin to stay away from playing with others because of fatigue or clumsiness or fear of rejection.

• THE CHILD MAY DEVELOP DIFFICULTY BREATHING - not associated with a cold or asthma.

THIS IS A CRISIS SITUATION REQUIRING IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

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The symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis may mimic and be attributed to any disease from a behavior disorder to a brain tumor.

THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Drooping eyelids or lids.

• Double vision.

• Difficulty holding head up - leans head on hands.

• Fading voice - nasal or slurred speech.

• Difficulty smiling due to weak facial muscles.

• Weakness of arms, hands or shoulder muscles.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Difficulty walking, running or climbing stairs.

• Excessive tripping or falling.

• Problems with blather control not associated with infection.

• Overwhelming general tiredness or fatigue.

• Breathing difficulty (A MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

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These symptoms can occur singly or in any combination. On any day, some, all, or none of these symptoms may be present. The child with MG faces many difficult physical and emotional challenges. The lack of a working knowledge of the disease can lead to emotional problems at home or at school. It is therefore extremely important to recognize these signs and symptoms.

Early diagnosis is important so treatment can be started as soon as possible. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation is supporting research and is making every possible effort to inform the public about this disease. With early and correct diagnosis and proper treatment most children with MG can live normal or near normal lives.

Our children are depending on you. Without your interest and financial support, necessary research may be delayed and more children may suffer needlessly. 

Turn the frown upside down!

We need your Help.

For further information, please contact your local -

MG Chapter.

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In Memory of Tracy Lynn Allen.

Written by: Claire Forst, R.N., M.S.N., M.S.,

Chairperson, Chapter Nurses Advisory Board

Coordinated by: Ruth Sampson, R.N.,

Patient and Professional Education

And

Bob and Diana Allen, Chairpersons of Education

for family and Patients

Approved by the National Medical Advisory Board of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.

If you have any medical questions, please contact your physician. 

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