Myasthenia Gravis

Question 1

What is Myasthenia Gravis

Answer 1

Myasthenia gravis is a rare long term condition that causes muscle weakness. It most commonly affects the muscles that control the eyes, eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. But it can affect most parts of the body

Question 2

How might Myasthenia Gravis impact on someone’s swallowing

Answer 2

A person may require a modified diet (e.g. soft or pureed food/ thickened fluids) as in some situations the drink can pass upwards and come out via the nasal passage is the palate is not closed properly

Question 3

Recommendations for someone with Myasthenia Gravis and swallowing issues

Answer 3

Eat when they are strongest i.e. after taking meds.
Eat little and often so as not to tire themselves.
Eat a modified diet

Question 4

How might Myasthenia Gravis impact on someone’s communication

Answer 4

Dysarthria can occur due to weakness or difficulty in coordinating the speech muscles.

Typical features of myasthenic speech:

Poor breath support (quieter voice).
Weakness or poor laryngeal movement (breathy voice and slow, quiet speech).
Weak palatal closure (nasal speech).
Weak articulation and movement of lips, tongue and jaw (garbled/slurred laboured speech).
Weak facial muscle movement (sneer / lip pouting).
Caution: Traditional exercises that assist with dysarthria / dysphonia are contraindicated in myasthenia due to weakness caused by fatigue

Question 5

Recommendations for someone with Myasthenia Gravis and communication issues

Answer 5

Voice amplifiers for low volume.
Communication books or picture symbol boards to aid speech difficulties.
Traditional exercises that assist with dysarthria / dysphonia are contraindicated in myasthenia due to weakness caused by fatigue.