Myasthenia Gravis
Strength in Awareness: Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
June is Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on a rare but impactful neuromuscular disorder that affects thousands of lives every day. Myasthenia Gravis, which literally means "grave muscle weakness," can be a challenging and often misunderstood condition. Through awareness, education, and support, we can improve early diagnosis and help patients live fuller lives.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles—the muscles your body uses for movement. It occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy the communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction.
Key Symptoms Include:
Muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Weakness in arms, legs, or neck
In severe cases, difficulty breathing (myasthenic crisis)
The severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
How Common Is It?
Myasthenia Gravis affects an estimated 14 to 20 out of every 100,000 people in the United States.
According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), over 70,000 people in the U.S. are currently living with MG.
It can affect people of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women under 40 and men over 60.
Because MG is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages, these numbers may not reflect the full picture.
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is autoimmune, meaning the body’s own immune system attacks its healthy tissues. In MG, antibodies block or destroy acetylcholine receptors, preventing muscle contraction. Some patients may also have a thymoma (a tumor of the thymus gland), which may contribute to or exacerbate the autoimmune response.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis May Include:
Physical and neurological exams
Blood tests for acetylcholine receptor antibodies
Electromyography (EMG)
CT or MRI of the chest (to examine the thymus gland)
Edrophonium (Tensilon) test
Treatment Options:
Medications: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants
Plasmapheresis or IVIG: To remove or block harmful antibodies
Thymectomy: Surgical removal of the thymus, often helpful in certain cases
Lifestyle management: Conserving energy, avoiding extreme temperatures, and managing stress
While there is no cure, early diagnosis and proper treatment can allow many individuals with MG to lead relatively normal lives.
Living With Myasthenia Gravis
Living with MG can be physically and emotionally challenging, but support, education, and self-advocacy play a crucial role in improving quality of life. Organizations like the MGFA provide invaluable tools and connect patients with others who understand their journey.
Tips for Supporting MG Awareness:
🟦 Wear teal, the official awareness color for MG
📢 Share facts and personal stories to educate others
🤝 Support research and patient advocacy initiatives
💬 Encourage open discussions in your community and workplace
Why Awareness Matters
Because MG is rare and symptoms can mimic other disorders, it often takes months or even years to diagnose. Awareness leads to quicker diagnoses, better treatments, and stronger support systems for those affected. This June, let’s stand together in support of people living with MG and work to make their voices—and their strength—heard.
💪 Knowledge is power. Awareness is action.
Keep your smile Smiling :)
📚 References:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)
https://myasthenia.orgNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravisNational Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Myasthenia Gravis
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myasthenia-gravisCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Chronic Illness and Rare Disorders
https://www.cdc.gov