Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. It affects communication between the nerves and muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and weakness. In this guide, we will share information about what myasthenia gravis is, its causes, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and available treatments.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the connections between nerve endings and muscle receptors, disrupting normal nerve-muscle communication. This leads to muscle weakness and fatigue. This weakness is often worse with activity and can improve with rest. The condition can affect a variety of muscles, impairing functions such as eye movement, facial expressions, mobility, movement, swallowing, and breathing. According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, there are over 70,000 individuals living with myasthenia gravis in the United States.
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks itself. Although the exact cause of this abnormal response is not fully understood, it is thought to result from a disruption in the communication between nerves and muscles. While anyone can develop MG, it affects both men and women and occurs across all racial and ethnic groups. It most commonly impacts young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), however it can occur at any age, including childhood
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary greatly depending on which muscles are affected. As a rare condition, it’s important to recognize the signs in order to advocate for appropriate care with your healthcare provider. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle Weakness: This often affects muscles that control eye movements, facial expressions, arm, hand, fingers, leg, and neck function.
- Drooping Eyelids: Ptosis, or drooping of one or both eyelids, is often an early sign of MG.
- Blurry or Double Vision: Diplopia, or double vision, occurs due to weakness in the eye muscles.
- Changes in Facial Expressions: For example, a smile might look like a snarl.
- Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking: Weakness in the muscles responsible for swallowing and speech can result in choking or slurred speech.
- Difficulty Chewing: The muscles used for chewing might tire halfway through a meal. This is especially true if someone has been eating something hard to chew, such as steak.
- Trouble Breathing: In severe cases, MG can affect respiratory muscles, making breathing difficult.
How to Diagnose Myasthenia Gravis
Diagnosing myasthenia gravis involves a series of steps. If you experience muscle weakness or fatigue, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and medical history before conducting tests to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnostic procedures may include:
- Physical and Neurological Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will test your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and balance to assess your neurological health.
- Ice Pack Test: This test involves measuring the eyelid opening, placing an ice pack over the eye for 2–5 minutes, and then remeasuring the eyelid to see if there’s a noticeable improvement, which may indicate MG.
- Blood Antibody Tests: A blood test can identify abnormal antibodies that interfere with the communication between nerves and muscles, a common sign of MG.
- Imaging Scans: A CT scan of the chest is often performed for individuals with symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis to help detect thymoma, a tumor of the thymus gland that may be associated with MG.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test detects impaired nerve-to-muscle transmission.
- Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS): This test repeatedly stimulates the nerves with small pulses of electricity and is used to assess muscle response. helping to determine if the muscle response is consistent with MG.
Myasthenia Gravis Treatments
While there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, several treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments include:
- Medications: Medications like pyridostigmine enhance nerve-to-muscle communication, while immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids and azathioprine reduce harmful antibodies attacking muscle receptors.
- Thymectomy: In some cases, surgical removal of the thymus gland may benefit individuals with MG, especially those with thymoma. This procedure has been shown to improve symptoms and reduce reliance on long-term medication in some people.
- Immunoglobulin Therapy (Ig therapy): Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) both work by increasing the levels of immunoglobulins in the blood. These treatments have multiple effects on the immune system, including reducing the abnormal antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors, which are responsible for the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
Living With Myasthenia Gravis: Support Resources
While living with myasthenia gravis can be challenging, many individuals with MG lead fulfilling lives with the right medical care. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and proper treatments are key to reducing the risk of infections and improving quality of life. There are several resources and support organizations for individuals with myasthenia gravis including:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)
MGFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals affected by myasthenia gravis. They provide valuable resources, education, and advocacy for patients and their families.
Founded by CSI Pharmacy, the IVIG & SCIG Support Community on Facebook is a group for individuals and caregivers of adults or children receiving IVIg or SCIg treatments. This community is designed to educate, empower, and support members on their journey. It’s a space for individuals impacted by rare and chronic diseases, including MG, to access resources, ask questions, share insights, and more.
National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD)
NORD advances practical, meaningful, and enduring change so people with rare diseases can live their fullest and best lives. They offer disease information, community events and programs, and financial assistance programs for individuals with rare diseases, such as MG.
In-Home IVIg & SCIg Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex condition, but with the right treatments and support, individuals with MG can successfully manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Access to in-home IVIg and SCIg treatments from CSI Pharmacy provides a convenient and effective treatment option. If you or a loved one is navigating this condition, consult with the CSI team to explore personalized treatment options and comprehensive support tailored to your needs.