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Sydney Bell

Professor Jizi

Writing 1104

6 November 2017

Annotated Bibliography

Boldingh, M. I., et al. An Up-Date on Health-Related Quality of Life in Myasthenia Gravis -

Results from Population Based Cohorts. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, BioMed

Central, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4522107/.

Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder. This article described the current

available therapies and the impact the disease has on patients. It compared the Health Related

Quality of Life (HRQOL) across countries and over time. Although the average HRQOL of

patients with generalized and chewing/swallowing symptoms was lower, those with ocular

symptoms or those in remission showed no significant difference. According to the research, the

HRQOL levels of myasthenia gravis patients has not changed since 2001. The article stated in

recent times because of treatments available, death from the disease is rare and most patients live

relatively normal lives.

My inquiry was how to live a healthy lifestyle with myasthenia gravis. This article

proves a normal, healthy life is possible. It describes drugs that have shown to prove higher

HRQOL levels and surgery that is available to help reduce symptoms. The study also

recommended physical activity to improve the quality of life for myasthenia gravis patients.

I know this is a credible article because it came from the US National Library of

Medicine National Institutes of Health. The article has also been cited by other articles in the

National Library of Medicine.

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Mgfa. What Is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?, www.myasthenia.org/WhatisMG.aspx.

This website is able to link people with many resources for Myasthenia Gravis

information. A physician referral list, community support, and latest research can all be found in

this one location as well as many of the common symptoms. Due to latest research, one reason

the body can become so weak when dealing with this disease is because the muscles are

controlled by the nerve impulses that emerge in the brain. Although there is a space between the

muscle fibers and the nerve fibers, myasthenia gravis patients immune system produces

antibodies that attack the muscle side of neuromuscular junction. As a result, causing

complications with their muscles.

This relates to my inquiry question because I want to focus on how to live a healthy life

while suffering with this disease. If ones muscles are too weak that prevents them from not only

doing normal day to day activities, but can also affect their ability to exercise. This website

provides a physician referral list which can be very helpful to those patients who are looking for

someone great to help them through this journey. Being close with your physician can help one

achieve many of their desired needs.

This is a credible website because the end of the website attests to it being approved for

the Better Business Bureau as an accredited charity and it is approved by the National Health

Council. This website was also created by Kellen Interactive Web Design. Kellen is a full

service public relations and public affairs and digital agency. This website also provides many

links to research studies and conventions such as the MG walk, that can be attended by

Myasthenia Gravis patients.

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Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services,

www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-

Sheets/Myasthenia-Gravis-Fact-Sheet.

This fact sheet begins by explaining what Myasthenia Gravis is and symptoms that can be

experienced with the disease. It affects men and women and all racial and ethnic groups. It

usually is found in young adult women and older men. This disease can cause a drooping eyelid,

blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, etc.

Researchers are working to develop better medications and are identifying new ways to diagnose

and treat individuals and improve treatment options. Some people do not respond well to the

treatment options, which can include long term suppression of the immune system. New drugs

however are being tested with other existing drugs to see if they are effective in treating the

disease. there are many different options for those who suffer with this disease such as different

types of medications and even surgery.

This relates to my inquiry because those who are aiming for a healthy life should

consider these different type of treatment options. Taking certain prescribed medications and

even undergoing surgery can have a huge impact on your health. Due to weakness being a

common symptom, taking the required medications or having surgery can help with your overall

well-being. It is also important because those who have muscle weakness need to keep track of

when they are at their strongest in order for them to go out and workout or put in some cardio.
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That way they are living the healthiest life they possible can. Having muscle weakness can

impact your day-to-day activities which can prevent you from living a healthy, normal lifestyle.

I know this is a credible article due to the fact it comes from the National Institution of

Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Also, there is a publication number listed and an address

where more information can be obtained.

Myasthenia Gravis. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2

Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-

gravis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352036.

Myasthenia Gravis, although has no cure, can be treated by many different options.

Some people feel as though medications and undergoing surgery are not necessary, but this

article shows all patients how serious this disease can get. Although there are the not so serious

symptoms such as a droopy eyelid or being tired all the time, there are other more severe

symptoms such as: altered speaking, difficulty swallowing, problems chewing, and limited facial

expressions. Although none of these symptoms seem serious to most, having these issues can

result into bigger problems. Those who suffer from swallowing food or have difficulty chewing,

can cause them to choke easily. This can also make it difficult for people to take pills and can

even cause liquids to come out of your nose. The best way to eat when suffering from this

disease is by eating 6 small portions of food throughout your day rather than 3 larger portions.

Not only could this help with swallowing your food, but it is very beneficial for weight loss.
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This is beneficial to my inquiry because in order for those to live a healthy lifestyle, you

have to be aware of what your problems and symptoms are. If you have difficulty chewing and

swallowing, it is best not to eat thick chewy foods such as steak. This is also helpful for those

who suffer from being over weight. Eating more meals but smaller portions can help with your

overall health. Knowing your symptoms is very important for your well-being. It also

important that if you are having difficulty swallowing and you do not want to take medicine for

myasthenia gravis, then telling your general physician that if you were to ever need medicine,

having a liquid form would be best for you.

This article is a credible source because it is authored by the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo

Clinic is a world renowned organization. There is also a link to request an appointment and

when the link is clicked, it does take you to a page where you can fill out information to request

an appointment. Doctors and departments are listed so this can be verified as well.

Nutrition Tips for Myasthenia Gravis. Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, Conquer

MG, Feb. 2015, www.myastheniagravis.org/life-with-mg/nutrition/

When dealing with myasthenia gravis, although exercising and keeping in touch with

your physician are all key factors to living a healthy lifestyle, how you eat and what you eat has a

major impact as well. According to the article above eating a variety of foods is actually

beneficial. Instead of sticking to strictly fruits or vegetables, it is important to provide your body

with protein and the other minerals it needs. Of course maintaining a healthy weight is how you

are going to live a healthy lifestyle, but in order to achieve this healthy weight it is important to
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know what you have to limit yourself on. Some of these items being salt and alcoholic

beverages. Although for the most part maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the same for those who

suffer from myasthenia gravis and those who don't, there are a few exceptions as to what those

who suffer should avoid eating in order to prevent diarrhea or an upset stomach. The main foods

to avoid are fatty, spicy, or high in fiber foods. This does not mean you can not eat any of these

items, it just simply means you should be careful while eating them and how much of it you eat.

My inquiry relates to this because my goal is to figure out everything I can in order to

live a healthy lifestyle while dealing with this disease. Knowing what you can and cannot eat is

a major factor to that process. When one suffers from being tired all the time and having weak

muscles, it is hard to get out and go do anything. Having a healthy balanced diet can not only

help those symptoms but can decrease your chances of getting over weight. Which is why it is

not only important how much you eat, but what you eat.

This is a credible site because there is a phone number listed and an address for the non-

profit organization Conquer Myasthenia Gravis. It has also been reviewed by the Medical

Advisory Board in February 2015. The website also has a link to their annual report and their

financial report. Anyone visiting the site can go to the link for the federal and state Form 990s

that was updated in May 2017.

Citations

Boldingh, M. I., et al. An Up-Date on Health-Related Quality of Life in

Myasthenia Gravis -Results from Population Based Cohorts. Health and

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Quality of Life Outcomes, BioMed Central, 2015,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4522107/.

Mgfa. What Is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?, www.myasthenia.org/WhatisMG.aspx.

Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and

Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-

Sheets/Myasthenia-Gravis-Fact-Sheet.

Myasthenia Gravis. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

Research, 2 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-

gravis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352036.

Nutrition Tips for Myasthenia Gravis. Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, Conquer

MG, Feb. 2015, www.myastheniagravis.org/life-with-mg/nutrition/.