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What Is Myasthenia Gravis?

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. This autoimmune disorder is one of many that you might be unfamiliar with, unless you or someone you care about is living with it. Myasthenia gravis, or MG, comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “grave muscular weakness” because it causes the voluntary muscles to become weak and tired. It is a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects 14-20 out of every 100,000 people, but, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, MG is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission. This month, we want to shine a light on this rare condition, its symptoms, and the treatments available.

What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?

woman with a lab coat on looking into a microscope — *Currently there is no known cause for MG, but research is continuously being done to understand it.*

Myasthenia gravis is not inherited and is not contagious, although it is important to note that a baby whose mother has the condition can develop a temporary form of MG that usually resolves itself within 2-3 months. MG is an autoimmune disorder, which is a condition that occurs when your immune system mistakes your healthy tissues and cells for a virus and attacks them. The exact cause of MG is unclear to scientists and doctors, but there is a theory that some kinds of viral or bacterial proteins could cause the body to attack the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for the communication between nerve cells and muscles. When this happens, antibodies destroy muscle receptor cells, which means fewer available muscle fibers, which is why muscles become weak and tire easily.

Experts also believe that there is a possible connection between MG and the thymus gland. The thymus gland starts out large in childhood and grows until puberty. After it is done growing around the time of puberty, it gets smaller and is eventually replaced with fat. A large number of adult patients with MG have an abnormally large thymus gland, and about 1 in 10 patients with MG have a benign tumor in their thymus gland.

Who Does It Affect?

MG can strike anyone at any age, but is more frequently seen in young women between the ages of 20 and 30, and men aged 50 and older.

MG Symptoms

The main symptom of MG is weakness of the voluntary skeletal muscles. The muscle weakness usually gets worse with more activity and improves with rest and a good night’s sleep. Generally, the muscles around the eyes will be affected first, which will cause the eyelids to droop. There are other symptoms that can also occur in differing degrees, which include:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Drooping eyelids
Double vision
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Facial paralysis
Hoarse voice
Trouble pronouncing words
Weakness of the neck or limbs

If someone with MG suffers what is known as a myasthenic crisis, they could become paralyzed. This type of crisis can be triggered in those with weakened respiratory muscles by an infection, fever, or a reaction to a medication. Myasthenic crises are life threatening and require emergency treatment with mechanical breathing assistance such as a ventilator. Plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin therapies can help, which we will explain in more detail later.

How Is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, bring them up with your doctor; your doctor will then perform a physical exam, as well as a neurological exam in order to check your reflexes and motion functions, look for muscle weakness, and make sure that your eyes are moving properly. Other tests that your doctor might perform to diagnose the condition include:

Blood tests to look for antibodies
Genetic tests to check if the condition runs in your family
Repetitive nerve stimulation test
Electromyogram (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of a muscle
CT scans or MRI to rule out a tumor in the thymus gland

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Early detection is the best way to manage the condition. Medications including Cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants can improve communication between nerves and muscles, and reduce the production of the antibodies that cause MG. Other treatment options include:

red blood cells floating — *Glycoprotein molecules from white blood cells can help decrease attacks on the immune system.*

Thymectomy– surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help improve symptoms. This surgery has been shown to reduce symptoms in more than 70% of people who don’t have cancer of the thymus.
Plasmapheresis– a procedure that removes abnormal antibodies from the blood and replaces them with normal antibodies from donated blood.
Immunoglobulin– antibodies, or glycoprotein molecules from white blood cells are infused through an IV to decrease the immune system’s attack on the nervous system.

Changing your lifestyle can also help alleviate symptoms of MG. If you are diagnosed with the condition, get plenty of rest and avoid stress and heat exposure. MG is a lifelong medical condition, but if detected early, most people with myasthenia gravis can improve muscle strength and lead normal lives.

If you are diagnosed with MG, medications, surgery, and doctor appointments will be necessary, which can be costly if you do not have health insurance, or a plan with enough coverage. EZ.Insure can find you a plan that will cover all of your needs, while saving you money. Our agents can compare plans in your area in minutes because we work with the top-rated companies in the country. No obligation or hassle. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Got A Headache? Find Out Which Kind It Is

In the classic 1990 comedy, Kindergarten Cop, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character tells a class of rambunctious kindergartners that he has a headache, but adamantly claims, “It’s NOT a tumor!” When it comes to a headache, though, it could be caused by any number of things, including tumors: it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms! In most cases, headaches are a normal part of life, but, for some people, they can get in the way of work, friends, and family life. So this June, for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, take the time to familiarize yourself with the different types of headaches that you could be suffering from. With this knowledge, you can determine which kinds are affecting you, how to prevent them, and how to get over them more quickly when they do strike.

What Is A Headache?

silhouette of a head with two red lightning bolts inside of the head. — *Headaches are common and can be triggered by hormones, your environment, or your diet.*

Headaches are the most common pain-related conditions in the world! We get them when blood vessels swell or tighten, and surrounding nerves signal pain to the brain. The pain can be felt in your head, neck, sinuses and ears, and can last anywhere from hours to days. Suffering from headaches, especially migraines, can be hereditary. In fact, children with parents who get migraines are 4 times more likely to develop migraines.

Headaches can be triggered by multiple things, including hormones (ugh, periods), environmental factors such as allergens, secondhand smoke, or your diet. Triggers differ from person to person, and headaches can affect everyone differently, but if you can identify a pattern, then you can figure out what type of headaches you get and how to treat them properly.

Types of Headaches

Thanks to research and clinical trials, we have come a long way in figuring out what causes headaches and how to treat each kind. “We know a lot more than we did 20 years ago about what causes headaches,” says Charles Flippen, MD, associate professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “We know what areas of the brain are generating pain, but we don’t have the whole picture.”

There are around 150 different kinds of headaches, but they can be put into 2 different categories:

Primary Headaches

These are not caused by a medical condition, and are not dangerous. The pain from these headaches is associated with inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body around the neck and head. Some of the most common types of primary headaches include:

Tension headaches– These are the most common type of headache, and feel like constant pressure around the forehead, back of the head or neck. Over-the-counter treatments, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen will help get rid of the pain.
Migraines– These intense headaches can be debilitating for some people, and can cause vomiting, neck pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and/or sound. If not treated, a migraine can last for 4 or more hours, or even several days. A common trigger for migraines is a change in your body, such as one due to hormones, stress, or a disruption to your sleep patterns. Women are 3 times more likely to suffer from migraines than men are. Treatment can include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or medications prescribed by a doctor, as well as rest in a quiet, dark room with a hot or cold compress.
Cluster headaches– These are recurring headaches that can occur on and off for 8 days straight. They can last 15 minutes to an hour and a half, and other symptoms can include red or watery eyes and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches can sometimes be genetic, but triggers include alcohol, smoking, and certain foods. There is no cure for these headaches, but medication can reduce how long they last and how often they occur. Treatments can include prescription nasal sprays, oxygen therapy, and preventive medications.
Hypnic headaches– These are rare headaches that occur in people between the ages of 40 and 80. They occur at night and last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. There are no specific treatments for hypnic headaches.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are related to another medical condition that triggers pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. They are rarer than primary headaches, but are more serious; they can be a warning sign of conditions including brain tumors, aneurysms, meningitis or head injuries. Some of the most common secondary headaches include:

illustration of a women holding the side of her head with pills next to her — *Rebound headaches occur from the overuse of painkillers.*

Sinus headaches– If your sinuses become inflamed, you will experience a fever, pain and nasal discharge that is green or has hints of red. Other symptoms include facial swelling, deep, constant pain in your cheekbones and forehead, and a bad taste in your mouth. Treatment for sinus infections can either be a round of antibiotics, or simply giving it time to clear up. Antihistamines or decongestants can help with symptoms.
Rebound headaches– The overuse of painkillers for headaches can lead to rebound headaches. Taking too much medication can shift the brain into an excited state, which will trigger a headache. Taking any pain reliever more than twice a week or taking triptans (migraine drugs) for more than 10 days a month, can put you at risk for rebound headaches.

Contact Your Doctor

If you’re suffering from a headache that will not go away, or that gets worse over time, contact your doctor, as you could be suffering from an underlying condition. Your doctor can perform an array of tests including a MRI, CT scan, blood test, and a spinal tap if necessary. This way, any serious condition can be ruled out, or if found, treated immediately. Once you are aware what kind of headache you have, you can learn how to treat and even prevent one from occurring in the future. Lifestyle modifications can help eliminate triggers that contribute to your headaches.

It is important to have the right health insurance, otherwise diagnosis and treatment for things like chronic headaches could end up costing you quite a bit of money. Health insurance plays a big role in how much you will pay for medications and any methods used to diagnose a headache. Having a good plan can make the process less stressful. To get free instant quotes and compare plans in minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

8 Surprising Facts About Lupus

In 2015, Selena Gomez announced that she has lupus, and talked openly about her struggles with the condition. Roughly 5 million people worldwide could relate to her story, while others were left questioning exactly what lupus is. People who have no experience with lupus generally know very little about the dangerous autoimmune disorder, or what they do know could be filled with misinformation. In honor of May being Lupus Awareness Month, we want to bring more awareness to this complex disease and give you some facts about it that you might not be aware of.

1. Lupus is an autoimmune disease.

purple cells with green liquid around them — *Lupus is when your healthy cells are seen as a threat, so your body attacks them.*

Your body’s immune system protects your body from disease and infection by creating antibodies against any virus or threat to the body. With an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, your body mistakes your healthy cells for foreign cells and begins attacking them. It is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning that it is long-lasting, and can last for months, years, or even for life. On its own, lupus is not life threatening, but if not dealt with, it can become life-threatening. Lupus patients are at higher risk for other illnesses such as renal disease, heart attack, stroke, and more.

2. There are 4 types.

Similar to diabetes, there are different types of Lupus:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus– the most common type of lupus, accounting for 70% of all cases. It affects joints and organs.
Lupus Discoid– affects the skin and causes rashes/lesions on the face, neck, and scalp. The lesions have a scaly or crusty appearance and can cause hair loss if they occur on the scalp.
Drug-induced Lupus– develops after a reaction to a medication. Symptoms are similar to systemic lupus, but the symptoms disappear after the course of medication is completed.
Neonatal Lupus– this is very rare, but it affects newborns whose mother has lupus.

3. Younger women are at higher risk.

90% of lupus patients are women. This doesn’t mean that men don’t get lupus, but women are 9 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than men are. It is thought that women are more prone to developing the disease because of hormones. Lupus also seems to affect younger women more: “Patients with lupus tend to develop the disease between the ages of 15 to 49,” says Irene Blanco, MD, MS, an associate professor of clinical medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a rheumatologist at Montefiore Health System.

4. Race plays a role.

Women of color are diagnosed with lupus 2 to 3 times more often than are Caucasian women. Lupus is most common in African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women. According to The National Institutes of Health, African American women are 3 times more likely than Caucasian women to develop lupus. Asian women suffer worse from the disease than Caucasian women: most Asian patients have a survival rate of only 79% to 92%, compared to the 94% to 96% survival rate of Caucasian women.

5. Lupus is not contagious.

You cannot “catch” lupus from another person, it is something triggered by an individual’s auto-immune system.

6. Lupus can be hard to diagnose.

According to the Lupus Foundation, it takes people an average of 6 years from the onset of symptoms to get their lupus diagnosis. During the 6 years, 55% of patients end up seeing 4 or more doctors to get a diagnosis. This might be because there are 11 common symptoms of lupus, and so many different symptoms can make it harder for doctors to diagnose the disease. In addition, some symptoms mimic those of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or fibromyalgia, so doctors might mistake it for one of those conditions, and not suspect lupus. The disease is also very individualized, meaning you might experience all of the symptoms, some of them, or even just one.

the anatomy of the inside of a kidney. — *Kidney issues or too much protein in your urine is a symptom.*

Common symptoms include:

Butterfly rash on the cheeks and nose
Scaly rash on the face, neck, ears, scalp, or chest
Sensitivity to light
Ulcers or sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, and inside the nose
Arthritis in 2 or more joints
Chest pain when breathing or moving
Kidney problems or too much protein in your urine
Neurological problems such as seizures or other nerve problems
Low white blood cell count
Malfunctioning immune system
Antinuclear antibodies in a blood test called an ANA

7. There is no known cause or cure.

Lupus is mysterious and complex. There is no known cause for what triggers the symptoms. And because of its complexity, there is unfortunately no known cure. There are treatment options that can help people manage the disease, but no cure as of now.

8. Treatment depends on the symptoms.

If someone with lupus experiences non-life-threatening symptoms such as joint pain or skin rashes, they will be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, those with more dangerous and serious symptoms will need a more aggressive treatment, which includes immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids. Medical treatment allows 80% of lupus patients to live for more than 15 years after diagnosis.Although there is no known cause or cure for lupus, researchers are continuing to work hard to predict who is likely to develop lupus, what organs will be targeted and how to prevent flare-ups with blood tests. They are also looking into immune therapies and medications that might help prevent the disease in high-risk populations. We have come a long way with research; 50 years ago, the survival rate was only 50% at 4 years after a lupus diagnosis. Today, those diagnosed have a 97% survival rate at 5 years and 90% at 10.

If you are experiencing multiple symptoms from the list above, speak with your doctor and get tested. If you are worried that your health insurance will not cover tests, or ongoing treatments for lupus, EZ can help you find a better plan that is affordable and has the right coverage for your needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

What Exactly Is ALS?

Think back to 2014. Do you remember the ice bucket challenge that went viral? In case you need your memory jogged, throughout that year, people were tagged on social media by their friends or family and challenged to dump ice cold water over their heads. To some it was just a challenge, but it began as much more than just a bit of fun. It was originally intended to raise awareness and money for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a motor neuron disease that affects 30,000 people in the U.S., with 1-3 new cases per 100,000 people every year. But what exactly is ALS? And who is most at risk for developing it?

ALS Explained

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is characterized as a group of progressive neurological diseases that cause dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement. The nerve cells in the brain degenerate and eventually die, which stops the communication between the nervous system and the voluntary movements of the body. Once the motor neurons are gone, muscles become weak and then nonfunctional. The disease can be fatal because the nerves that control breathing can die.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease usually appear when a person is in their 50s or 60s, but can appear earlier or later. Early signs of ALS include:

Slight muscle weakness
Clumsy hand movements
Tripping and falling due to muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Impaired and/or loss of function of the tongue, mouth, and/or voice box
Leg cramps during the night
Uncontrolled twitching of muscles
Stiffness in the legs
Coughing

As ALS progresses, symptoms become more widespread, and some muscles become paralyzed, while others are weakened or unaffected. In late-stage ALS, most muscles that affect voluntary movements are paralyzed.

Who Is Affected By ALS?

ALS can affect anyone of any age, gender or race, but studies show that people between the ages of 40 and 70 are most affected.

Unfortunately, the exact underlying cause of ALS is unknown, but researchers have made some speculations as to what could cause it, including a disorganized immune system, a chemical imbalance, or mishandling of proteins by nerve cells. It is thought that the environment can play a role as well. There have been some possible links between ALS and mechanical or electrical trauma, high levels of exercise, high levels of agricultural chemicals and high levels of heavy metals.

mri machine — *An MRI can help diagnose ALS.*

There are 2 types of this disease, one of which affects far more people:

Sporadic ALS, which occurs randomly with no family history, and accounts for 90-95% of cases.
Familial ALS, which is inherited and runs in the family. It accounts for 5-10% of cases.

Genetic testing can be done if there is a suspected familial cause of ALS; there are other tests that can also be done including:

Electromyography (EMG), which measures the muscles’ response to triggers.
Muscle biopsy, which examines muscle tissue under a microscope.
MRI, so doctors can examine organs and tissues in the brain and spinal cord.
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap

Most people will live for about 3-5 years after they experience their first signs of ALS. The life expectancy of those affected is:

20% will live 5 years or more after diagnosis
10%, or 1 in 10 people, will live more than 10 years following a diagnosis.
5% will live for 20 years
Survival past 20 years is possible, but rare. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed at age 21, and lived to age 76.

Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment to stop the progression of ALS, which is why the ice bucket challenge took the internet by storm. More research needs to be done to discover effective treatments for those suffering with ALS.

stethoscope with a blood pressure cuff next to it — *It is important to get monitored every 3-4 months to manage ALS.*

While there is no cure or treatment for ALS, those who receive a diagnosis of this disease will need to schedule clinic visits every 3-4 months to monitor changes. ALS is a complex disease, but with the help of doctors, physical and occupational therapists, counselors, and a nutritional plan, people with the disease can manage the symptoms and slow the progression. All of this can be expensive, so having a good insurance plan will help keep those with ALS from being buried under medical bills.

If you are looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan that will ease the burden of medical bills while you’re dealing with a health condition, EZ can help. Our trained licensed agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can compare all available options for your needs. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation, just free quotes.

Covid-Related Health Insurance Special Enrollment Extended!

President Biden, in his first weeks in office, implemented some major policies meant to offer relief during the coronavirus pandemic. One of the things he did was open a COVID-related Special Enrollment Period that is allowing Americans to enroll in Marketplace health insurance plans or change their plans without experiencing a qualifying life event. The Special Enrollment Period began February 15 of this year, and was initially set to end May 15, but the Biden administration announced at the end of March that the Special Enrollment Period is being extended until August 15. hands holding a bubble with different colored silhouettes of family members in the bubble

Hoping To Get More People Insured

The American Rescue Plan Act, which President Biden signed into law in March, made ACA health insurance plans more affordable to millions of Americans. The plan lowered monthly premiums, and even eliminated premiums for many by offering more federal subsidies. “With the American Rescue Plan and the Affordable Care Act, millions of families will be able to sleep a little bit more soundly at night because they don’t have to worry about losing everything if they get sick,” Biden said.

Thanks to the subsidies provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, millions of Americans will save an average of $50 per person a month and $85 per policy a month. In order to allow more people to take advantage of these new subsidies, the White House is extending the Special Enrollment Period, giving people 3 additional months to find a new plan, or upgrade their current plan to one that will save them more money and get them more coverage.“Through this Special Enrollment Period, the Biden Administration is giving the American people the chance they need to find an affordable health care plan that works for them. The American Rescue Plan will bring costs down for millions of Americans,” said newly appointed HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement.

Finding A Plan

With the extension of the Special Enrollment Period, you have the opportunity right now to upgrade your Marketplace plan (or get a new plan) with lower out-of-pocket costs and premiums. The best way to do this is by working with an insurance agent. EZ’s licensed agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in your area in minutes. There is no obligation or hassle, just free quotes. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Lyme Disease: The Silent Infection

Did you know that nearly half a million people are infected with Lyme disease each year? In fact, Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the country, according to the CDC. One of the reasons for the skyrocketing case numbers is that research into combating the disease is chronically underfunded. And, while a large number of people are infected with Lyme disease each year, many are unaware that they have the bacterial infection because the symptoms resemble that of a cold or the flu. Because of the widespread nature of Lyme disease – there have been infections reported in all 50 states, particularly in the Northeast – it is important to understand how you get the disease, the symptoms, and how to treat it before it gets worse.

What Is Lyme Disease?

a brown and black deer tick — *Lyme disease occurs after getting bit by a deer tick.*

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and is passed to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick. The tick needs to be on the skin for at least 36 hours in order for a person to become infected with Lyme disease. This, unfortunately, is not a problem; most people are unaware when they are bitten by a tick because the bite does not hurt and is not itchy. These ticks are small, so you might not see it if it is attached to you, meaning it can easily stay hooked onto your skin for several days.

Who Is At Risk?

People who live in wooded areas or have dogs that go into wooded areas are at a higher risk of getting Lyme disease. The tick can latch onto the hair of a dog or cat and then fall off in your home or onto you without you knowing. They often attach to your body in hard-to-see areas such as your groin, armpits or head. Tick bites normally happen during the warmer months when wildlife and people are outside more. But they can be present during the fall and even winter if the temperatures are high enough.

Signs & Symptoms

Early symptoms of Lyme disease start about 3-30 days after an infected tick bites you. It is important to recognize the symptoms early on, because, if left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Early symptoms include:

picture of a leg with a red circle around the knee — *If Lyme disease is not treated, then swollen knees are one of the symptoms that can occur.*

Fever
Chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
A flat, circular rash that looks like a red circle, oval, or “bull’s-eye”

If the infection is not treated, then the the disease will progress to include symptoms like:

Swollen knees
Facial palsy- loss of muscle tone or drooping on one of both sides of the face
Severe headaches
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling
Heart palpitations- feeling like your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or pounding
Irregular heart beat
Nerve pain
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Shooting pains or numbness in your feet or hands
Dizziness or shortness of breath

Diagnosis & Treatment

two pills, one long pill and one circle pill — *A round of antibiotics will help treat Lyme disease.*

Early detection and treatment is the best way to avoid Lyme disease. Unfortunately, most people never recall being bitten and less than half ever develop the bullseye rash. But if you experience any of the above symptoms, speak with your doctor right away. Your doctor will want to do blood work to check for antibodies. Because your body does not create antibodies for the disease for several weeks, you will have to take more than one test, as the initial one might not show antibodies.

Treatment works best in the early stages of the disease: the earlier you are treated, the better your chances of recovering quickly. Once the disease is detected, antibiotics will be prescribed for 10-14 days. For those who develop Lyme arthritis, which is a late-stage symptom, oral antibiotics will be prescribed for 28 days. Some people will still experience symptoms after being treated; this is normal and can linger for several months.

Prevention

Lyme disease is not contagious, but there are some things that you can do to help prevent it. When hiking, try to avoid bushy areas and grass. If you live in a wooded area, use an insect repellent with DEET in it, and always check yourself, your children, and your pets daily for ticks.

If you suspect Lyme disease, get tested; if it turns out that you do have it, it can be treated with antibiotics. Having a good health insurance plan will keep the cost of bloodwork and medications required to treat it down. If you are looking for an affordable plan or want to find a better plan than your current one, EZ can help! Our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country. We will compare plans in minutes and provide you with quotes, as well as guidance, at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

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