Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies attack the communication between nerves and muscles (neuromuscular junction). This results in weakness and fatigue in muscles.

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Types of Myasthenia Gravis

There are two main types of autoimmune myasthenia gravis: ocular and generalized.

Ocular MG: Causes weakness in the muscles that control the eyelids and other eye movements.
Generalized MG: Causes weakness in the eye muscles and other muscles throughout the body.

There are additional specific subtypes of MG based on different aspects of the disease such as the cause, antibodies, age of onset, and tumor on the thymus gland (thymoma).

Symptoms

Patients with myasthenia gravis may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Weakness in the eye muscles, arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck

Droopy eyelids (ptosis)

Shortness of breath

Changes in facial control and expressions

Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing

Double vision (diplopia)

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis can be diagnosed.

Tests that can contribute to a diagnosis of MG may include…

Neurological Exam: Measures the function of an individual’s reflexes, muscle strength, muscle tone, senses of touch and sight, coordination, and balance. If a person has any difficulty moving their eyes or muscles, a medical professional may decide to conduct additional evaluations.
Ice Pack Test: Placing an ice pack on a muscle that is not functioning properly for a few minutes, and testing whether the patient has improved control of that muscle after the ice pack is removed. This test is often used for individuals who have a drooping eyelid, therefore, the ice pack would be placed on the person's eye.
Blood Tests: Checks if there are abnormal antibodies present in the blood.
Repetitive Nerve Stimulation: Measures the connections between muscles and nerves by using electrodes attached to nerves to detect the response to an electrical stimulus.
Single-Fiber Electromyography (EMG): Tests a single muscle fiber by inserting an electrode through the skin and into a muscle to measure activity between the brain and muscles.
Imaging: CT scans and MRI scans help visualize and check for abnormal growth in the thymus or a thymus gland tumor (thymoma).

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

Myasthenia gravis is a rare disease that requires more effective treatment options. In order to find these new treatments for MG, further research is necessary.

Current Research Studies

There are about 45 myasthenia gravis research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search this site to find MG research studies near you.

Visit Clinicaltrials.gov

Medications

While no known cure exists, medications can help relieve signs and symptoms of MG.

Check out these medications below that can help treat MG:

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Cholinesterase inhibitors improve communication between nerves and muscles, supporting muscle contraction and strength. An example of this type of medication is pyridostigmine.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids suppress the immune system which can limit antibody production. An example of this type of medication is prednisone.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants decrease inflammation, alter the immune system, and can reduce the body's production of abnormal antibodies. Examples of immunosuppressants include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, methotrexate and tacrolimus.

Intravenous Therapy

Intravenous therapy can be used for a short period of time to address sudden worsening of MG symptoms.‍

Plasmapheresis: Runs blood from the body through a machine that filters out the ACh and MuSK antibodies, and then sends the filtered blood back into the body.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): Adds normal antibodies to a patient’s blood to alter the immune response.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Man-made proteins that behave like human antibodies to alter immune response.

Surgery

Individuals with myasthenia gravis may have an enlarged thymus gland and/or a tumor (thymoma) on it. The thymus gland, located in the upper chest beneath the breastbone, is part of the immune system. When the thymus gland is enlarged or has tumors, it can cause the production of antibodies that lead to muscle weakness. Therefore, people with MG may require a thymectomy, which entails removing the thymus gland. In some cases, even if tests on the thymus gland do not indicate a problem, surgical removal of the gland may improve symptoms.

Resources

Find an online community of fellow MG patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

A support group for MG patients, family members and friends looking for support and answers.

Myasthenia Gravis

A group intended to be an informative and supportive group for people with MG.

Reddit Group: r/MyastheniaGravis

A subreddit community for all discussions and questions regarding myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America

An organization committed to enhancing lives and improving care for myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis Association

A group dedicated to helping patients, families, friends and communities affected by myasthenia gravis.

MG United

A group that aims to support individuals with myasthenia gravis, as well as their caregivers, by offering various resources and information about the condition.

NeurologyLive Mind Moments Episode #77 - A New Era of Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

In this podcast episode, George Small, MD, discusses recent progress, changes in patient care, and the current treatment landscape for MG.

Living with MG Stories

Visit the Living with MG Stories page on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America website to read people's different stories and experiences with MG.

Finding Support for Your MG Journey
Read this article to learn more about ways to find support and cope with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis and Social Security Disability
Check out this website for more information on disability resources for individuals with myasthenia gravis.

Developing a Better Diagnostic Test and Possible Therapy for Myasthenia Gravis

Learn more about a potential new diagnostic test and therapy option for people with MG.

Study: Zilucoplan, Rozanolixizumab Improve Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Outcomes

Read this article to learn more about the outcomes of studies for potential treatment options for MG.

FAQs

What population is most affected by MG?

MG typically affects women under 40 and men over 60, but it can happen at any age. The condition also affects people of all races and ethnicities.

Is myasthenia gravis inherited?

The majority of cases are not inherited. Even though the disease is usually not hereditary, genetics may play a role in its development. People may be more likely to develop MG if there is a family history of autoimmune diseases. There are cases of congenital myasthenic syndrome (an ultra-rare subtype) that are inherited.

Is there a cure for MG?

Currently, there is no cure available, but there are treatments that can help control symptoms.

Are there flares of symptoms that can occur with MG?

Yes. A MG flare occurs when symptoms worsen, resulting in weakness in specific muscles. A myasthenia crisis is a serious complication of MG. This happens when the breathing muscles become too weak to move air into and out of the lungs. Patients experiencing a myasthenia crisis should seek medical attention.

What types of doctors work with people with MG?

A neurologist, who specializes in brain and spinal cord diseases, will primarily handle care related to MG. Medical teams for people with MG may also include physical or occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists.

How common is MG?

Globally, approximately 150-200 people per 10,000 may have the condition.

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