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How well do you understand MG types and antibodies? Do you have any questions?
Different types of myasthenia gravis are primarily categorized based on symptoms and the muscles affected. Then, there are various types of specific antibodies present that cause MG. How well do you understand MG types and antibodies? Do you have any questions?
Types:
- **Generalized Myasthenia Gravis**: Involves widespread muscle weakness.
- **Ocular Myasthenia Gravis**: This form primarily affects the eye muscles, leading to symptoms like drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia).
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MG Antibody Types:
- **AChR-Positive Myasthenia Gravis**: This type is defined by the presence of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, found in many patients with generalized MG. These antibodies block AChR and prevent effective muscle contraction.
- **MuSK-Positive Myasthenia Gravis**: In some patients, antibodies may target muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), a protein necessary for developing the neuromuscular junction.
- ** Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4)-Positive Myasthenia Gravis**: In some patients, antibodies may target low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), a protein important for developing the neuromuscular junction.
- **Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis**: Some patients exhibit symptoms of MG but do not have detectable antibodies. This form can be challenging to diagnose but is believed to involve other unknown antibodies or mechanisms.
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6 Replies
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My wife recently heard about a medical doctor discussing possible connection between recent surge in diagnoses of autoimmune disease and Covid vaccines. Are you aware of any further evidence of this.
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Discussions and studies have examined the potential link between autoimmune conditions, including MG, and vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccines. Some patients with a history of autoimmune diseases have reported exacerbations or even new diagnoses of MG following vaccination. Here are some you may be interested in: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10553155/#:~:text=MG%20cases%20after%20the%20COVID,to%20non%2Dvaccination%20related%20MGs. & https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997223000745. Here is a popular discussion on our site about the topic related to MG that you may be interested in: https://myastheniagravisnews.com/forums/forums/topic/covid-19-vaccine-booster-shot-and-myasthenia-gravis/.
-Jodi, Team Member
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Thanks! This is very helpful for sharing with family and friends!
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Can I add bulbar mg those of us that only have symptoms in our bulbar muscles only. Kind of a subtype but definitely different .
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After being diagnosed why don’t Neurologists do blood tests regularly to monitor the amount of Achr + antibodies if on immune suppressants like prednisone and cellcept?
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Neurologists may not regularly monitor AChR antibodies in patients undergoing treatment with immunosuppressants like prednisone and CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) for several reasons. Doctors often focus on symptoms and muscle strength improvement rather than just monitoring antibody levels. Once a patient is on immunosuppressants, the levels of AChR antibodies can decrease, but this does not always correlate directly with clinical improvement. Although some studies support that it can be helpful: “This indicates that repetitive measurements of [anti-AChR-antibody] serum levels can potentially be used to assist in the follow-up of a patient with MG” (https://myastheniagravisnews.com/news/antibodies-blood-tests-mg-may-help-monitor-long-term-clinical-status/). Regular blood tests can add to healthcare costs and in the eyes of one’s provider might not yield sufficient benefits to justify the expense.
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