17252 Myasthenia Gravis Mg
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Myasthenia gravis is a long-term condition that causes weakness in your voluntary muscles — the muscles you control, like those used for breathing, swallowing, talking, and moving. It happens when the immune system interferes with the signals between nerves and muscles.
Key facts
- It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues.
- Symptoms often get worse with activity and improve with rest.
- It can affect people at any age, but is more common in women under 40 and men over 60.
- There are effective treatments to help control symptoms, and many people live full lives.
It is a rare condition. In the UK, about 1 in 10,000 people have it. That means around 70,000 people in the UK live with myasthenia gravis.
It can affect anyone but is more common in women under 40 and men over 60. It is not passed directly from parent to child, though having a family history of autoimmune conditions may slightly increase the risk.
Symptoms
- Sudden difficulty breathing or feeling that you cannot catch your breath
- Extreme weakness or inability to move
- Trouble swallowing or keeping saliva in your mouth — this can lead to choking
- A sudden, severe flare-up of symptoms (myasthenic crisis)
- ⚠New or worsening double vision that affects your daily tasks
- ⚠Drooling or choking more than usual
- ⚠Worsening weakness that makes it hard to climb stairs, get up from a chair, or lift objects
- ⚠Unexplained weight loss or difficulty eating enough
Common symptoms
- Drooping of one or both eyelids
- Double vision or blurry vision
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking
- Weakness in the arms or legs that worsens with activity
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Fatigue that improves with rest
Symptoms in children
- Droopy eyelids
- Poor head control or floppy baby
- Difficulty feeding, drinking, or swallowing
- A weak or quiet cry
- Trouble chewing or frequent choking during meals
Symptoms in older adults
- Generalized weakness, especially in arms and legs, leading to falls
- Difficulty swallowing or choking more often
- Drooling or slurred speech
- Muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and improves with rest
Causes
Main causes
- The immune system mistakenly attacks a protein that helps nerves communicate with muscles
- The exact cause is unknown, but many people have an abnormal thymus gland (a small organ in the chest)
- Some have a non-cancerous thymus tumour (thymoma) that can trigger the condition
- Rarely, certain medicines or infections may trigger symptoms
Risk factors
- Being a woman under 40
- Being a man over 60
- Having another autoimmune disease, such as thyroid disease or lupus
- A family history of autoimmune conditions
- Having an abnormality of the thymus gland
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or sudden severe weakness, call your local emergency number
- If you cannot keep fluids or saliva down, seek urgent care
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have persistent drooping of the eyelid, double vision, or muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and better with rest, make an appointment with your doctor
- If you have difficulty chewing or swallowing food
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your muscle strength. They may refer you to a neurologist (a specialist in nervous system conditions). There is no single test; it is usually confirmed by a combination of tests.
Tests that may be done
- Blood test to look for antibodies associated with myasthenia gravis
- Nerve conduction study and electromyography (EMG) to check muscle and nerve signals
- CT or MRI scan to check the thymus gland
What to expect at your appointment
The process can take several weeks. You may need to repeat tests, because early results can be normal. You may be referred to a specialist clinic that has experience with myasthenia gravis.
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and help you manage daily life. Many people need a combination of approaches. Your care team will tailor your plan to your needs.
Self-care at home
- Plan activities to conserve energy and schedule rest times
- Eat smaller, softer meals if swallowing is difficult
- Use an eye patch if double vision is bothersome (alternate between eyes)
- Consider assistive devices if arm or leg weakness is troublesome
- Avoid extreme heat, which can make symptoms worse
- Tell your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines, as some can worsen symptoms
Medical treatments
Treatments may include medicines that improve nerve-muscle communication, steroids or other medicines that calm the immune system, and procedures such as plasma exchange or immunoglobulin therapy for short-term flare-ups. A thymectomy (removal of the thymus gland) may be recommended in some cases. Your doctor will explain the options and their pros and cons.
When is surgery considered?
Thymectomy surgery may be offered to some people, especially those with a thymus tumour or those who do not respond well to medicines. It may lead to fewer symptoms for some people, though the full effects can take months.
Living with this condition
Living with myasthenia gravis means learning to pace yourself. You may have good days and bad days. Work with your care team to plan your activities and make adjustments when needed.
Lifestyle tips
- Rest when you need to — do not push through fatigue
- Keep your home clutter-free to reduce trip hazards
- Plan meals that are easy to swallow
- Wear a medical alert bracelet in case of emergencies
- Avoid stress, as it can make symptoms worse
- Consider flexible work arrangements if fatigue is an issue
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet helps keep your strength up. If swallowing is difficult, choose moist or soft foods and take small bites. Gentle exercise like walking or physiotherapy can help maintain strength, but always stop and rest if you feel weak.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a chronic condition can be stressful and can lead to anxiety or depression. It is normal to feel this way, and you deserve support. Talk with your doctor about mental health services, and reach out to loved ones or support groups.
Prevention
No, myasthenia gravis cannot be prevented. It is an autoimmune condition with no known way to avoid it. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications.
Vaccines
Because the immune system is involved, talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines. They may advise you to avoid certain live vaccines depending on your treatment. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Complications
If left untreated
- Myasthenic crisis — a sudden, severe flare-up that can cause breathing failure
- Pneumonia from swallowing difficulties (aspiration)
- Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight due to eating problems
- Rarely, severe weakness can lead to falls and injuries
Long-term outlook
With current treatments, most people with myasthenia gravis see great improvement. Some go into remission, meaning symptoms become very mild or disappear for a time. While there is no cure yet, you can live a full and active life with the right care and support.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: August 1, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.