Myasthenia Gravis (known as MG) happens when the normal communications between nerves and muscles break down. Typically, the muscles affected are the ones you control – also known as voluntary muscles. The muscles that control your eyes, facial expressions, as well as talking, swallowing, chewing and even breathing can be affected. You will feel tired, with your muscles weakening over time.

Here’s what to look out for when it comes to common symptoms of MG.

• Weakness of eye muscles
• Double or blurred vision (Diplopia)
• Drooping of one or both eyelids (Ptosis)
• Changes in facial expressions
• Difficulty speaking (Dysarthria)
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing (Dysphagia)
• Shallow breathing or shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
• Bodily weakness in your arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck
• Unstable walking (or waddling)
• General fatigue

Some MG symptoms can be confusing as they can look like those you might experience if you are suffering from a different condition. Encephalopathy and Sepsis can produce a fluctuation of eye movement – occasionally confused as MG. Myasthenia Gravis can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms may suddenly appear and temporarily go away after rest or sleep. Look out for changes in the muscles you can control, accompanied by fatigue. With MG, your muscles will become weaker over time, with the worst symptoms appearing in the first few years. MG has three stages:

• The first 5-7 years – when symptoms are most changeable, increasing in severity
• After about seven years - symptoms settle and become consistent. Factors such as infections or stress may impact symptoms
• Where remission may occur – medication or treatment has symptoms under control

There are several types of Myasthenia Gravis. It is important to remember you may not have all the symptoms on the list.