Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes symptoms such as a drooping eyelid and muscle weakness. www.chop.edu/jmg
In children and adolescents the disease is called juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG). A team at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is one of the most experienced in the world in treating juvenile myasthenia gravis. Many thanks to the Zalewski family, whose generous support helped make this video possible.
Ocular myasthenia gravis is one form of the disease, with droopy eyelid (ptosis) the primary symptom. Generalized myasthenia gravis, when the disease affects more of the body, includes symptoms such as double vision (diplopia); difficulty breathing, speaking, swallowing, and/or chewing; weakness of arms and legs; difficulty holding your head up; tiring easily; and falling easily. Some patients can't smile because of facial weakness.
At CHOP, neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists and pediatric surgeons work together to provide treatment for myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis treatment includes medicines and thymectomy, surgery to remove the thymus, which can result in complete remission. CHOP has the highest volume for this surgery in children in North America.
MG disease is caused by the antibodies of the immune system mistakenly blocking neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) released by the nerve cell to send signals to the muscle cells. The symptoms are caused by the disrupted communication between nerve and muscle.