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Myasthenia Gravis (known as MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing weakness and muscle fatigue. Weakness typically increases during periods of activity and improves with periods of rest. It happens when normal communications between nerves and muscles break down. People can develop Myasthenia Gravis at any age, but for unknown reasons, it is commonly diagnosed in women younger than 40 years of age and men older than 60.
The symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis typically progress over time, with symptoms becoming their worst within a few years of the onset of the disease. For many people, the symptoms you might notice first involve the muscles of the eyelids and around the eyes. Drooping of one or both eyelids (also known as Ptosis) and double vision (diplopia) which improves or resolves when the eye is closed are common.
Myasthenia Gravis comes in several distinct types. While there is no cure for the condition, treatment can help relieve and control many symptoms including muscle weakness, letting you get on with life.
Overview - What are the common types of MG?
The two main types of Myasthenia Gravis are Generalised Myasthenia Gravis and Ocular Myasthenia Gravis. Other types of MG include Transient Neonatal and Juvenile MG. Some patients can have more than one type of MG.
Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (often known as gMG) means the condition is severe and may cause you to experience weakness throughout your body – including the eyes. Generalised Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder and is not thought to be genetic. Occasionally, MG may occur in more than one member of the same family. Generalised MG develops in around 50-80% of people who experience eye symptoms, with patients gradually developing other symptoms such as difficulty speaking (dysarthria), shortness of breath, and problems chewing and swallowing (dysphagia). A typical feature of Generalised MG is an increase in muscle weakness in the limbs, difficulty in moving, and trouble breathing.
Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
Ocular MG affects the eye area, and you may notice your eyes feeling tired, experience double vision, or spot that your eyelids take on a droopy appearance. With ocular MG, the muscles that move the eyes and control the eyelids are easily fatigued and weakened. About 15% of people with MG will only experience ocular problems.
Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis (TNMG)
Unlike other forms of MG, Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis (TNMG) affects just 10-15% of babies born to mothers with Myasthenia Gravis. Babies usually show symptoms within a few hours and up to 24 hours after birth. Reassuringly, symptoms typically resolve on their own with time. There are symptoms to look out for in your newborn – difficulties feeding and sucking and poor muscle tone. Some babies may also have problems breathing and their limbs may appear floppy. Women with MG who’ve already had their thymus gland surgically removed are at a lower risk of giving birth to children with the condition. If you have been diagnosed with the condition as a child, you may find it reassuring that children with TNMG are not at a higher risk of developing other forms of MG in later life. You can find more information about the thymus gland on our dedicated page.
Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis
Juvenile MG is another rare immune condition that affects children, usually developing before age 18. Treatment involves managing symptoms through lifestyle factors (sleep and nutrition) as well as medical interventions. This, along with high rate of spontaneous remission in children, means that the decision to operate must be made carefully. For further information about the thymus gland, visit the dedicated information page.
If you want to know more about getting a diagnosis for MG, explore our resource library.
Diagnosis of MG
If you are noticing symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis, here’s how to get a diagnosis.
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Causes of MG
Myasthenia Gravis generally develops in adult life. Find out about the causes of MG.
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