FAQs

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic condition that can persist for years. It occurs when antibodies in the blood block the normal communication between nerves and muscles – causing muscle weakness. The condition can be unpredictable, and when not managed may leave you weak and struggling with small tasks.

• The two most widely occurring types of MG are Ocular Myasthenia Gravis and Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (also known as gMG)
  • Ocular sees the eyelids and muscles around the eyes frequently fatigued. Most people will experience these symptoms first
  • Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) may cause you to experience weakness throughout your body – including the eyes
• Other types of MG include Transient Neonatal and Juvenile MG

Myasthenia Gravis is a condition of the immune system where it mistakenly targets a healthy part of the body, resulting in weak muscles and tiredness. Myasthenia Gravis is not considered an inherited or contagious condition. It can occur at any age but tends to develop later in life.

• It is linked to the thymus (chest gland)
• Sufferers of Myasthenia Gravis often have a larger than normal thymus gland

If you have been diagnosed with MG, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle to support your wellbeing. A lack of sleep, extreme temperatures (hot showers or baths, hot food or drinks, saunas, and weather), and some chemicals like insecticides can worsen your symptoms. For more information on management and living with MG, see our help page.

Generally, MG is not inherited. If one of your family members has an autoimmune disease, it is not uncommon for other family members to also have one.

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own neuromuscular system. As the condition fluctuates in how it affects the muscles such as the eyes, mouth and limbs, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if you are experiencing MG symptoms so they can properly assess you. They will walk you through your symptoms and ask you about your medical history. You may need to take a series of tests to support a diagnosis.

• Blood tests look for a high level of antibodies that may be present in people with MG
• Genetic testing checks for conditions like MG and may be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptomology
• Neurophysiological tests, including
  • Repetitive nerve stimulation or nerve conduction studies, which use tiny electrical impulses to see how a muscle bounces back after repeated stimulation
  • Electromyogram (EMG) tests, which measure the electrical activity of a muscle and can detect abnormal activity due to neuromuscular conditions
  • Single-fibre electromyogram (SFEMG) tests, which record the transmission from nerve to muscle
• An imaging scan such as a CT or MRI scan checks the thymus gland – to detect if it is bigger than usual or has grown abnormally. An MRI scan is a neurological exam and will check those symptoms are not caused by issues in the brain
• To confirm a diagnosis or to act as a guide during clinical decision making, healthcare providers may perform a short and specific assessment known as the ice test (or ice pack test) to measure whether a patient with MG can determine sensitivity
• Healthcare providers will use Edrophonium testing when the picture is unclear. They will only recommend this test if absolutely necessary due to the risks involved

Myasthenia Gravis is Latin and Greek in origin. The name comes from the meaning “grave or serious muscle weakness.” The condition is also known or referred to as “MG.”

Many patients with MG find the intensity of their symptoms varies day to day. Talk to your healthcare provider about when and how to exercise. They will help you work out a plan to suit how much exercise and what type of exercise will benefit you. Be sure to exercise within your limits, take breaks and factor in short sessions, which you are more likely to tolerate better. Stopping short of muscle fatigue will prevent you from overdoing it.

If you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider or a neurologist about your specific condition of MG. Together, they will help you work out the best outcomes and advise you on how MG can affect your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider should closely monitor your pregnancy.

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease; it is not genetic. There are, however, several types of what are called Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) – these are a group of genetic disorders whose symptoms are similar to Myasthenia Gravis. Although CMS share many symptoms with Myasthenia Gravis, the underlying causes are different – Myasthenia Gravis arises from an abnormal immune response, while CMS is due to a genetic deficiency.

CMS may be diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests, Electromyography (EMG) and repetitive nerve stimulation testing (RNS), a Tensilon test, and/or genetic testing.