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Anti-AChR antibodies (most common)
Anti-MuSK antibodies
Anti-LRP4 antibodies (less common)
Some cases are seronegative, meaning no known antibodies are detectable
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles, especially those that control the eyes, face, throat, and limbs. It happens when the body’s immune system blocks or destroys the communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscles from contracting properly.
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
Difficulty speaking (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia)
Weakness in arms, legs, neck, or facial muscles
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Symptoms often fluctuate, worsening with activity and improving with rest—a hallmark feature of MG.
Myasthenia Gravis is caused by autoantibodies that interfere with the nerve-muscle communication:
Most commonly, antibodies attack the acetylcholine receptors (AChR) on the muscle side of the neuromuscular junction.
Some patients have antibodies against MuSK (muscle-specific kinase).
The thymus gland is often involved—some people with MG have thymomas (benign tumors) or an overactive thymus.
Blood tests for AChR and MuSK antibodies
Edrophonium (Tensilon) test – short-term improvement in muscle strength
EMG (electromyography) to test muscle response
CT or MRI of the chest to check for thymoma
Pulmonary function tests if breathing is affected
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine) – improve muscle communication
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate)
Plasmapheresis or IVIG – to remove or block harmful antibodies (used in crisis or flare)
Thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus) – may improve symptoms, especially in younger patients with thymomas
Supportive therapies: speech, physical, or occupational therapy
With treatment, most people can manage symptoms and lead normal or near-normal lives
Severe cases may require hospitalization during respiratory crises
Lifelong management is often necessary, but many improve with medication or thymectomy
Affects approximately 20 per 100,000 people
Can occur at any age, but:
Women are often diagnosed in their 20s–30s
Men are more often diagnosed after age 60
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Myasthenia Gravis Information Page.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis
Gilhus NE, et al. (2019). Myasthenia gravis. Nat Rev Dis Primers.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0104-4
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (2023).
https://myasthenia.org
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