Literature & DVDs

MGF of Illinois maintains an array of literature and sources on various aspects of myasthenia gravis. Below you’ll find brochures you can download and website links you can check. For information on specific topics – from treatment options to living with chronic illness -- feel free to contact our office by phone (800.888.6208). We are happy to provide you with copies of literature or websites that we have found to be helpful.

Free Literature

Some of the following information can be downloaded to your computer for printing. For the rest, click here to order copies. Or if you prefer, you can call the MGF of Illinois office (800.888.6208) to request copies by phone.

• Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, Inc. Click here to print inside. Click here to print outside. A brochure with information about our organization – programs and services, goals and mission.
• The Puzzle of Myasthenia Gravis Click here to print. A brochure for patients, families and friends, explaining the history, symptoms and some statistics relating to myasthenia gravis.
• Conquer Call the office (800.888.6208) for printed copies of back issues. Click here for PDF of most recent issue.
• A Practical Guide to Myasthenia Gravis – A Handbook for Patients and Families. A brochure written by a neurologist and a patient to summarize information about myasthenia gravis. Click here to order or call the office for a copy.

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis//detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm
• Muscular Dystrophy Association Publications – Facts About Myasthenia Gravis (MG) http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-mg-qa.html
• Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/myasthenia-gravis/DS00375

Brochures, Books and DVDs for Sale

MGF of Illinois also has materials for purchase, covering a variety of topics. Prices include shipping and handling. Click here to be directed to the order form.

• Myasthenia Survival Guide. A brochure that offers general MG information, describes patient-directed health management and discusses how to successfully cope with chronic illness. ($2.50)
• The Mystery Guest, MG: A Personal Plan for Dealing with a Chronic Illness. A book by Peggy Matthews Cashman and Loretta Kett Bier, published 2007, 227 pages. “An uninvited guest came to visit me and it appears to have come for a long stay.” The book jacket continues, “Here is the story of one woman’s journey from a progressive illness difficult to identify, through her diagnosis and subsequent search for wellness. By freely confronting the physical, emotional and spiritual ramifications of having a neuromuscular disease, this book provides a definite plan to deal with a chronic illness. The tests, therapies, treatments, and latest research on MG are clearly described. This book will have a broad appeal for those suffering with a chronic illness, their caregivers, family members and friends.” ($26.00)
• Swallowing and Chewing Issues with MG (1 hour, 18 min.), DVD, April, 2009. Jennifer Cross, a speech pathologist, discusses symptoms, tests, evaluations for MG patients and specific suggestions about chewing and swallowing. Ms. Cross is followed by Dr. Lee Akst, from the Loyola Swallowing Center, discussing bulbar symptoms, the differences in normal and MG patient voice and swallowing and possible outcomes. ($15.00)
• Attacking MG—Redefining the Limits, (56 min.) DVD, September 2008. A young college athlete discusses how she redefines her own limits and maintains a positive outlook. ($15.00)
• Experiencing Relaxation, (1 hour, 19 min.) DVD, May 2008. Scientific studies show that stress can worsen medical symptoms. Dr. Albina Tamalonis discusses the effects of stress and demonstrates several relaxation techniques. ($15.00)
• Fatigue, Sleep and MG, (59 min.) DVD, October 2007. Dr. Wayne Rubinstein discusses the difference between fatigue and sleep and ways to manage the symptoms and effects. Sleep apnea and hypersomnia in MG patients is presented. ($15.00)
• Ocular MG, (53 min.) DVD, April 2007. Dr. Thomas Mizen presents a layman’s explanation of the physiological causes of ocular MG, along with diagnosis and treatment options. ($15.00)
• Myasthenia Gravis – What You Probably Don’t Know, (2 hours) DVD, October 2006. Dr. Robert Pascuzzi presents the history of the disease and the latest in research. He talks about depression, energy sappers and nutritional guidelines. ($15.00)
• Beauty Does Lie: The Untold Stories of Autoimmune Diseases, DVD, August 2007. A documentary that explores the lives of seven women as they cope with their individual autoimmune diseases. The purpose of the documentary is to spread awareness of how people deal with an autoimmune disease diagnosis and a message of hope. To order, go to: http://www.fanlight.com/catalog/films/477_bdl.php