Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles your body uses for movement.

What happens in Myasthenia Gravis?

The immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors at the junction where nerves communicate with muscles. This prevents muscles from contracting properly, leading to muscle weakness.

Key features

Fluctuating muscle weakness, often worse with activity and improving with rest. The areas mostly affected are eyes – drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia).

Face and throat – trouble swallowing, speaking or chewing and neck and limbs – difficulty holding up the head, climbing stairs or lifting.

Symptoms

Muscle weakness that worsens with use and improves with rest

Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing

Drooping eyelids

Double vision

Shortness of breath (in severe cases)

Diagnosis

Antibody tests (like anti-AChR or anti-MuSK)

Electromyography (EMG)

Tensilon test (historically used, now rare)

Imaging (CT or MRI to check for a thymoma, a tumour in the thymus)

 Treatment

Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine)

Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine)

Plasmapheresis or IVIG (for severe flare-ups)

Thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus gland, especially if a tumour is present.

Complications

Myasthenic crisis: life-threatening muscle weakness affecting breathing – requires emergency care

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of MG, it is important to consult a neurologist for evaluation and management. 

You can contact the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Namibia for emotional support or more information at 081 747 6470.

*Article provided by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Namibia