Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease, which makes people experience weakness and rapid fatigue. These symptoms are caused by a communication breakdown between the muscles and nerves, and are generally experienced when the person is active.
While myasthenia gravis can occur in anyone, it is most common in males over the age of 60 and females under the age of 40. The disease actually forces the body’s immune system to produce antibodies, which can destroy or block the receptor sites for muscles. Since the receptors are blocked, the muscles won’t receive as many signals, resulting in weakness.
Symptoms and Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis
In addition to muscle weakness and fatigue, people with myasthenia gravis also sometimes experience difficulties in the ability to speak, chew, swallow and make basic facial expressions. Extreme cases could even cause the neck and breathing muscles to be affected.
There isn’t a cure for myasthenia gravis at this time, but research suggests anticholinesterase medications can help overcome the blocked receptors for muscles. Those types of medications work well, but medical marijuana is another viable option for patients suffering from myasthenia gravis. In fact, as more studies are conducted, more people are leaning toward obtaining a medical cannabis card today.
Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis
Research shows cannabis has the ability to act similarly to the anticholinesterase medication to help overcome blocked receptors. Also, three cannabinoids have proven to significantly elevate acetylcholine in the brain, effectively decreasing the acetylcholine turnover.
While these studies are still ongoing and not necessarily conclusive, people are enjoying the positive effects of medical marijuana, so getting a medical marijuana card online is becoming a more popular option.
Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card
Depending on what state you live in, getting access to a medical marijuana card can be tricky. Some states may not necessarily recognize myasthenia gravis as a qualifying condition to receive the card. However, as long as you have a recommendation from a physician to use medical marijuana, you should generally be able to obtain the card with no issues.
Living with constant fatigue and muscle weakness is no way to go about your day-to-day duties. Myasthenia gravis can eventually wear people down if they don’t get the proper treatment. It can also cause more serious mental and physical side effects for some people, resulting in illness and possible depression.
If you or a loved one has experienced symptoms, or has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, be sure to contact us right away. We can help you get your medical marijuana card in California quickly and easily, so you’ll be on the right track to treating the disease and living a normal lifestyle.