What is myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between nerves and muscles. This leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, which gets worse with activity but improves with rest.
What are some common symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Common symptoms may include:
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness in facial muscles
- Breathing problems
Diagnosis
Epworth is dedicated to conducting thorough evaluations and taking a comprehensive approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
If myasthenia gravis is suspected, your doctor may arrange the following assessments to confirm the diagnosis:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Neurological exam
- Repetitive nerve stimulation
- Blood tests
- Electromyography
- Medical imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound
Get referred
To receive a diagnosis or treatment from an Epworth specialist, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP and request a referral.
Treatment and management
The treatment of myasthenia gravis aims to manage the symptoms, improve muscle strength and enhance overall wellbeing.
Your Epworth neurologist may suggest the following to help manage and reduce the impact of your symptoms:
Medications
Your neurologist may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
Surgery
Following consultation, your doctor may recommend surgery such as thymectomy. Thymectomy involves the surgical removal of the thymus gland, which is a small organ located behind the breastbone and is believed to play a role in the development of myasthenia gravis.
Plasmapheresis (also known as plasma exchange)
A procedure that aims to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
Intravenous immunoglobulin
To add healthy antibodies into the bloodstream.
Ongoing management
Your Epworth care team will arrange follow-up appointments to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation at Epworth aims to maximise your physical and cognitive independence, while also providing emotional and psychological support for you and your family.
Our locations
For myasthenia gravis
Treatment locations
Your care team at Epworth
The multidisciplinary team for myasthenia gravis includes a specialist neurologist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist.
Learn more about the health professionals in the neurology care team.
Choosing your Epworth specialist
Meet our specialist neurologists and neurosurgeons, accredited at Epworth.