What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. It is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to its rarity and complexity. Seeking specialised medical attention from experts, like Professor Michael Hanna, is important.
MG occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the neuromuscular junctions, causing muscles to weaken and tire easily. It affects various muscles involved in eye movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, and limb movements. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
A definitive diagnosis of MG requires specialised testing, including physical and neurological exams, EMG, blood tests, and imaging scans. Timely diagnosis and treatment by specialists are crucial for effective management.
While there is no cure for MG, symptoms can be controlled through treatments that focus on managing symptoms.
Myasthenia Gravis Specialist
Professor Michael Hanna is a highly esteemed neurologist based in London, specialising in the field of Myasthenia Gravis and other neuromuscular diseases. With over 20 years of experience, Professor Hanna has dedicated his career to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of these complex conditions.
As a passionate advocate for research and improvement in neurological care, Professor Hanna has held various leadership roles. He is currently the Director of the UCL Institute of Neurology in Queen Square and the Queen Square Centre for research and treatment of Neuromuscular diseases. He has successfully raised millions of pounds in research funding and strives to find better treatments for neurological diseases through ongoing research.
Professor Hanna’s dedication and contributions to the field of Myasthenia Gravis and neuromuscular diseases have been widely recognised. He has published over 400 original research articles, books, and book chapters, covering various aspects of neurology, neuromuscular diseases, and neurogenetics.
Who Gets Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis can affect anyone, regardless of their age or gender. However, it is more common in young women between the ages of 20 and 30 and men over 50. The onset of symptoms can be gradual or sudden and may include visual problems, difficulty making facial expressions, problems with chewing, swallowing, or pronouncing words, weakness in the neck or limbs, or shortness of breath. These symptoms tend to worsen when the patient is tired, but they may improve after a good night’s sleep.
How Common is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular condition, which means it affects a relatively small percentage of the population. According to experts, the prevalence of myasthenia gravis in the UK is estimated to be 15 per 100,000 individuals. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of the condition, myasthenia gravis can be misdiagnosed, leading to delays in appropriate management and treatment.
Diagnostic Tests and Diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis
If you suspect you have myasthenia gravis, it is important to seek medical attention from a myasthenia gravis specialist like Professor Michael Hanna as soon as possible. The key to effective management and treatment of the condition is getting an early diagnosis through a range of diagnostic tests.
Various diagnostic tests are used to confirm myasthenia gravis, including blood tests, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI. These tests are performed to evaluate the function of the neuromuscular junctions, muscle strength, and the potential presence of an associated tumour.
Treatment Options
Professor Michael Hanna offers a range of treatment options to help improve muscle function and prevent complications such as swallowing and breathing difficulties. Treatment may involve the use of medication to improve muscle weakness and reduce symptom impact. Patients may also need to make lifestyle changes, including relaxing more, avoiding stress or fatigue and getting regular exercise.
Surgery to remove the thymus gland, which is often associated with myasthenia gravis, may be required to manage symptoms.
Living with Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis can be a long-term or chronic condition that goes through periods of decline and improvement. However, with proper symptoms management with by Prof. Michael Hanna and diligence, most patients with myasthenia gravis can improve their muscle strength and live almost normal lives. Some cases may even have periods of remission, where the muscle weakness disappears either temporarily or permanently.
Additional Support
At his London clinic, Professor Michael Hanna provides comprehensive support for individuals with myasthenia gravis, including assistance with specific problems such as swallowing difficulties, speech impairments, and muscle strengthening. Professor Hanna and his team of specialists have extensive experience in managing the unique challenges that myasthenia gravis presents.
One area of focus is swallowing difficulties, which can greatly impact an individual’s ability to eat and drink safely. Professor Hanna and his team work closely with speech therapists and nutritionists to develop personalised strategies and dietary modifications to help patients overcome these challenges and maintain adequate nutrition.
Speech difficulties can also be a common symptom of myasthenia gravis, affecting the clarity and strength of one’s voice. The clinic offers speech therapy services tailored to the specific needs of individuals with MG, providing techniques and exercises to improve speech intelligibility and vocal strength.
Muscle strengthening is another crucial aspect of managing myasthenia gravis. The team at Professor Hanna’s clinic collaboratively develops personalised exercise programs that focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, improving overall physical function, and enhancing the patient’s quality of life.
The comprehensive care provided by Professor Hanna and his team ensures that each patient receives individualised support tailored to their specific needs.
Research and Innovation
Professor Michael Hanna has made substantial contributions to the field of neurology through his ongoing research and innovative approaches. As the Director of the UCL Institute of Neurology in Queen Square and the Queen Square Centre for Research and Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases, Professor Hanna has played a pivotal role in leading cutting-edge research initiatives. His research aims to advance our understanding of neurological diseases, and neuromuscular conditions, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and developing more effective treatments.
Appointments
For more information or to arrange an appointment for a neurological assessment with Professor Michael Hanna, please contact our clinic directly. We offer both dental appointments for NHS patients and private healthcare appointments for individuals or families who require specialised, comprehensive care.
NHS Appointments
A letter of referral is required from your GP or NHS Practitioner. Referrals should be sent to my NHS Office.
NHS Office Address: Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square London WC1N 3BG NHS Office Enquiries Tel: 020 3448 8014/8251 Fax: 020 3448 3633
Private Appointments:
A letter of referral may be required for private patients who have Private Medical Insurance (PMI). Self-paying patients can self-refer.
Private Office Address: The Private Consulting Rooms The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square London WC1N 3BG Private Office Appointments and Enquiries Tel: 020 3448 8935 Fax: 020 3448 8816
Please view the Terms & Conditions for more information.