What are the main symptoms or signs of Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Neurology

Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability

A neuromuscular autoimmune disease

Dr. Antoine Mercier

Neurologist

6 min read

Medical illustration of Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability

In simple terms

Pyridostigmine, immunosuppressants, complement inhibitors: modern treatment of myasthenia.

Autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors

Myasthenia gravis affects 1/5000. Antibodies block neuromuscular junction. Effort-induced muscle fatigability that worsens during the day. Often starts with ocular symptoms (ptosis, diplopia).

Diagnosis

Anti-AChR antibodies (85% of cases), anti-MuSK or anti-LRP4 in seronegative forms. EMG with repetitive stimulation, ice pack test. Always look for a thymoma (chest CT).

Treatments

Pyridostigmine: symptomatic
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate, rituximab)
Thymectomy if thymoma or young generalized form
Complement inhibitors (eculizumab, ravulizumab) and FcRn inhibitors (efgartigimod) for refractory forms
IV immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis for myasthenic crises

Drugs to avoid

Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, beta-blockers, magnesium: may worsen the disease.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Diagnosis: The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
Immune system: Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
Antibody: A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability?: Pyridostigmine, immunosuppressants, complement inhibitors: modern treatment of myasthenia.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Myasthenia gravis: muscle fatigability?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#myasthenia #autoimmune #muscle