Myasthenia gravis support for members

The first symptoms of MG muscle weakness usually affect your eyes. For example, you may experience:

• Drooping of one or both eyelids
• Double vision

MG can also affect your face and throat muscles. If this happens, symptoms include:

• Problems with swallowing
• Difficulty chewing food, especially if you’re eating something tough
• Increased effort to speak

In addition, MG can affect your limb and neck muscles. This may cause:

• Difficulty walking or holding something heavy
• Difficulty holding up your head

MG symptoms tend to get worse the more you use the affected muscles. So your symptoms might be more noticeable and you might feel more tired at the end of the day. Symptoms can also get worse after prolonged periods of activity. However, MG symptoms usually don’t include muscle pain.

MG symptoms can be similar to those caused by other medical conditions. So your doctor will perform exams and tests to help arrive at the correct diagnosis. They’ll typically start with a physical exam, ask about your symptoms and review your medical history. You might also get:

• Blood tests – These look for a specific type of antibody that disrupts muscle and nerve signals.
• Nerve tests (like an electromyogram, or EMG) – These measure the electrical signals your body makes when in motion and at rest. Abnormalities may be a sign of MG.
• A neurological exam – Your doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, muscle tone, posture, balance, coordination, and senses of sight and touch. Results can help determine impairment or weakness.
• Ice tests – During an ice test, ice is placed over a droopy eyelid. Improvements after ice is applied can be a sign of MG.
• Imaging tests – Imaging tests (like a CT scan or MRI) can detect if you have an enlarged thymus gland, which might indicate MG.

If you’re diagnosed with MG, your next step will be working with your doctor and care team to determine the best treatment for you.

Many people who proactively manage their MG lead full, rich lives. Treatment options vary based on your age, symptom severity, current health and medical conditions, and other factors. Your MG treatment may include:

• Prescription medicines – Anticholinesterase medicines, steroids and other immunosuppressive medicines can help increase your muscles’ strength.
• Surgery – For some people, removal of the thymus gland in your chest may provide relief.
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) –With these therapies, you receive antibodies from healthy donors. These help decrease your immune system’s overactive response to your nervous system.

You’ll also work with your doctor and care team on effective ways to address your MG symptoms at home. These can include:

• Regular, moderate physical activity to improve muscle tone, build muscle strength and give you more energy (make sure you check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine)
• Eating plenty of carbs and protein for energy
• Regulating your body temperature, as heat can make symptoms worse
• Taking naps or breaks throughout the day to maintain energy levels