Myasthenia Gravis and diving
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but I used to work for someone with this condition and seeing her when she had an episode was scary stuff. I would think very carefully about what would happen if this happened underwater. The docs will surely be around shortly with a better response but it seems like if there was ANY chance of having an attack, it would seriously jepordize the safety of the diver and his/her buddy.
Just my $ .02
Rachel
Just my $ .02
Rachel
Hello puna:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission involving the production of autoantibodies directed against the nicotinic AChR at the footplate between the nerve ending and the muscle.
MG comes and goes and is characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles in a particularly 'sneaky' fashion. It can present as difficulty breathing in association with exercise and can be made worse by many drugs and situations that impair neuromuscular transmission and may increase weakness in patients with underlying neuromuscular junction disorders. Nitrogen at depth may have a similar effect but we really don't have any data that shows that diving is or isn't harmful.
Pyridostigmine is the usual first line treatment for MG. Prednisone and Cyclosporine A are used for long-term immunosuppression when further benefit is needed and relatively rapid onset of benefit is desired. Prednisone is the most effective treatment for ocular MG. However, "cortisone" can cause exacerbation or worsening of the condition.
One worries about the 'control' of the condition in an alien environment of depth, exertion, cold and partial pressure changes associated with diving. We certainly don't have a track record with this condition - but I personally would be reluctant to be the first to find out the effects of diving on your muscle strength.
You must consider also your ability for self rescue and the possible need to rescue others.
Of course, if you have no weakness whatsoever, and your condition has been shown not to be affected by exercise, cold, swimming or scuba diving in a controlled situation (i.e., pool) - then I would have no reluctance in certifying you as 'fit to dive', particularly with the full knowledge of the divemaster or instructor and others on your dive excursion. (This would be similar to the self-imposed restrictions of other disabled divers).
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission involving the production of autoantibodies directed against the nicotinic AChR at the footplate between the nerve ending and the muscle.
MG comes and goes and is characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles in a particularly 'sneaky' fashion. It can present as difficulty breathing in association with exercise and can be made worse by many drugs and situations that impair neuromuscular transmission and may increase weakness in patients with underlying neuromuscular junction disorders. Nitrogen at depth may have a similar effect but we really don't have any data that shows that diving is or isn't harmful.
Pyridostigmine is the usual first line treatment for MG. Prednisone and Cyclosporine A are used for long-term immunosuppression when further benefit is needed and relatively rapid onset of benefit is desired. Prednisone is the most effective treatment for ocular MG. However, "cortisone" can cause exacerbation or worsening of the condition.
One worries about the 'control' of the condition in an alien environment of depth, exertion, cold and partial pressure changes associated with diving. We certainly don't have a track record with this condition - but I personally would be reluctant to be the first to find out the effects of diving on your muscle strength.
You must consider also your ability for self rescue and the possible need to rescue others.
Of course, if you have no weakness whatsoever, and your condition has been shown not to be affected by exercise, cold, swimming or scuba diving in a controlled situation (i.e., pool) - then I would have no reluctance in certifying you as 'fit to dive', particularly with the full knowledge of the divemaster or instructor and others on your dive excursion. (This would be similar to the self-imposed restrictions of other disabled divers).
Debtor biscuit7 and scubadoc,
I very thank your information on everything of scubadoc on this subject, is very important for me to know the biggest number of things on this subject eventually to be able to dive one more time in obliged security.
Thanks one more time.
I very thank your information on everything of scubadoc on this subject, is very important for me to know the biggest number of things on this subject eventually to be able to dive one more time in obliged security.
Thanks one more time.
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