Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Its hallmark symptom is muscle weakness that worsens with physical activity and improves with rest. Although it is a chronic disease, advances in medicine have made early diagnosis and effective treatment possible, allowing most patients to live relatively normal lives.
In this article, you’ll learn what myasthenia gravis is, its causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed, available treatment options, and common myths surrounding this condition.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune disorder in which communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted. This happens because the immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly attack acetylcholine receptors— the receptors responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles.
As a result, skeletal muscles fail to respond properly to nerve signals, leading to muscle weakness, especially after repeated use. The symptoms typically improve with rest.
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
The exact cause of myasthenia gravis is not fully understood, but it is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues by mistake.
Factors that may be involved include:
Abnormal production of antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors
Thymus gland abnormalities: Many people with myasthenia have an enlarged thymus or tumors (thymomas)
Genetics: Although not directly hereditary in most cases, genetic factors may play a role in susceptibility
Main Symptoms
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis vary depending on which muscle groups are affected and the severity of the disease. In many cases, early signs involve the muscles controlling the eyes.
Common symptoms include:
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Double vision (diplopia)
Weakness in arms, legs, or neck
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Fatigue that worsens with activity
Generalized muscle weakness in more severe cases
Symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day, often worsening after physical activity or toward the evening.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosing myasthenia gravis can be challenging, especially in mild cases. A neurologist will evaluate the patient through a combination of clinical assessments and diagnostic tests, such as:
Detailed medical history and physical examination
Ice pack test: temporary improvement in ptosis when applying ice to the eyelid
Electromyography (EMG): evaluates electrical activity between nerves and muscles
Blood tests for antibodies (anti-AChR or anti-MuSK)
CT or MRI scans of the chest to evaluate the thymus
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications and improving treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, several treatments can effectively manage the symptoms and prevent severe crises.
Treatment may include:
Anticholinesterase medications (e.g., pyridostigmine): improve nerve-muscle communication
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants: help reduce immune system activity
Plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): used in severe cases to remove harmful antibodies
Thymectomy: surgical removal of the thymus, recommended for patients with thymomas or thymic hyperplasia
Treatment should be personalized, with regular monitoring by a healthcare professional.
Myths and Facts About Myasthenia Gravis
“Myasthenia gravis causes total paralysis.”
❌ Myth. While it can cause severe muscle weakness, total paralysis is rare. With proper treatment, most patients maintain good functionality.
“It’s a disease only older people get.”
❌ Myth. Myasthenia can affect people of any age, though it more commonly occurs in young women and older men.
“Exercise always makes it worse.”
⚠️ Partially true. Overexertion can worsen symptoms, but moderate, medically supervised exercise can be beneficial in many cases.
“It always progresses quickly.”
❌ Myth. Disease progression varies. Many patients achieve stability for years with ongoing treatment.
Interesting Facts About Myasthenia Gravis
The name “myasthenia” comes from Greek and means “grave muscle weakness.”
The condition is more common in women aged 20–40, but it can occur at any age.
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month in many countries.
Certain medications — like fluoroquinolone antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and beta-blockers — should be avoided as they can worsen symptoms.
Living with Myasthenia Gravis
With proper treatment, a supportive care team, and lifestyle adjustments, it’s entirely possible to live well with myasthenia gravis. Patients should avoid excessive physical exertion, stick to a regular medication schedule, and adapt daily routines as needed.
It’s also important to stay up to date with vaccinations, avoid infections, and recognize early signs of a myasthenic crisis — such as respiratory difficulty — and seek emergency medical care immediately if needed.
