Myasthenia gravis

Overview

Myasthenia gravis blocks signals between nerves and muscles.

Weakness gets worse with activity and better with rest.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Droopy eyelids or double vision
• Double vision or droopy eyelids that get worse when tired

Less common

• Weak arms or legs
• Trouble swallowing
• Weak neck

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune system.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women under 40
• Men over 60

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Antibody tests:
• EMG:

Treatment

Pace activities.

Self-care

• Rest between tasks
• Rest between tasks
• Plan activities for the morning

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): Care centers and support for neuromuscular diseases.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women under 40 and men over 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Well controlled for most.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Which medicines should I avoid?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Myasthenia gravis