Myasthenia Gravis Vs. Parkinson's Disease

Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Parkinson's disease are two disorders that affect the nervous system. They both affect the way you move, and both are very debilitating. Neurologists treat these conditions.

Myasthenia Gravis

• Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neurological muscular disorder. The voluntary muscles in the body no longer work when they get the signal from the brain via the nerves. MG can affect all ages, races and genders.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

• Some of the symptoms of myasthenia gravis are double vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, muscle tiredness, shortness of breath and problems swallowing.

Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's disease affects the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls the movement of your muscles. The cells are damaged and no longer make dopamine, which coordinates the movements in your body.

Symptoms of Parkinson's

• Some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are stiffness in your arms and legs; trembling in your face, hands and arms; slow movements and poor balance.

Treatments

• The treatments for myasthenia gravis are medications such as steroids and immunosuppressant agents, as well as removal of the thymus gland and cleaning the plasma in the blood. Parkinson's treatment includes exercise, a healthy diet and physical therapy. In addition, you may take anti-Parkinson's agents in pill form.