Are facial exercises good for ocular MG?
Between the start of double vision and being diagnosed with MG, my pcp sent me to physical therapy where I was give a set of facial exercises to do. After the MG diagnosis the therapist recommended continuing the exercises.
The earliest i can get an appointment with a Neuromuscular Neurologist is late this year. So, perhaps some of you have knowledge about doing (or not) facial exercises with ocular MG.
Thanks
When I had swallowing issues I did exercises which helped from speech therapist.
Thank you, all. I suspected that the exercises would be more tiring than helpful. I quit doing them a few days ago. Never noticed any difference either way. Double vision occurs anytime I drive (too much visual activity for the muscle to handle), or towards late afternoon when I’m just doing ordinary stuff.
From what several different doctors have told me, our area has a waiting time of several months to see a neurologist. My pcp has sent referrals to two neuromuscular specialists. I visited one of them personally after waiting a month for a call back - they gave me an appointment for next April! Another was supposed to call me last week, and hasn’t. They might have an opening in Dec or Jan. I’ll call them again and see if I get to speak to a live person.
Hi
, Ugh! I am sorry it is such a long wait to see a neuromuscular specialist. Fingers crossed that something opens in December. When you try calling them again, I wonder if they can offer any information about facial exercises or offer a telehealth appointment in the meantime? Echoing what others have shared here about rest and MG, passing along this article too. https://myasthenia-gravis.com/rest Keep us posted on how you are feeling! Best, Lauren (Myasthenia-Gravis.com Team)
I'm sorry but the exercises won't help this specific condition and may fatigue your hard working facial muscles even more. I am a Physical Therapist AND I have MG👎🏽. Laying down and closing your eyes usually for 20 to 30 min can reboot the muscles depending on how active the disease is, also applying ice to the affected eye for a few minutes helps temporarily. Medication and rest are what will be needed. You may be able to ask the PCP to communicate directly with the specialist and see what they can start you on. Best of luck
If you are not on immune suppressive therapy, then it is unlikely for exercises to work....might even make your symptoms worse. Maybe your PCP can help you get an appointment with the neuromuscular neurologist sooner? I had mine go to bat for me, and got started on pyridostigmine and cellcept which helped me turn the corner. MDT
