Myasthenia Gravis

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and assess your symptoms. You may undergo these tests:

Ice pack test: If you have severely drooping eyelids, your provider may place ice packs on your eyes or have you rest with your eyes shut in a dark room for a few minutes. If the drooping improves after the ice application or rest, you may have MG.

Antibody tests: About 85% of people with MG have unusually high levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies in their blood. Approximately 6% patients have muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies. Antibodies may not be detected in less than 10% of MG patients.

Imaging scans: An MRI or CT scan can check for thymus gland problems like tumors.

Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This test detects communication problems between nerves and muscles.

There is currently no cure for MG. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and control the activity of your immune system. Talk with your doctor about the following options.

Medication

Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can be used to suppress the immune system. These medications help minimize the irregular immune response that occurs in MG.

Additionally, cholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine (Mestinon), can be used to increase communication between nerves and muscles.

Thymus gland removal

Removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy), which is part of the immune system, may be appropriate for many patients with MG. Tumors, even those that are benign, are always removed because they may become cancerous.

Once the thymus is removed, patients typically show less muscle weakness. Research from 2017 also shows that thymectomy results may be more effective in those who also take prednisone.

Plasma exchange

Plasmapheresis is also known as a plasma exchange. This process removes harmful antibodies from the blood, which may result in an improvement in muscle strength.

Plasmapheresis is a short-term treatment. The body continues to produce harmful antibodies, and weakness may recur. Plasma exchange is helpful before surgery or during times of extreme MG weakness.

Intravenous immune globulin

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a blood product that comes from donors. It’s used to treat autoimmune MG. Although it’s not entirely known how IVIG works, it affects the creation and function of antibodies.