Myasthenia Gravis Overview (MG)

Myasthenia Gravis Overview

Learn more about this autoimmune condition and find resources for support.

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What Is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune condition. It happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between your nerves and muscles—making it harder for your muscles to work.

In simple terms:

MG affects how signals travel from your nerves to your muscles.
It leads to muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and improves with rest.

Although it can affect anyone, Black women under 40 and Black men over 60 may face higher risks compared to other groups.1

Symptoms of
Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Symptoms of MG can be mild at first and often get mistaken for other issues. Here’s what to look out for:

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

Especially after activity
Improves with rest
Often affects the eyes, face, throat, and limbs

EYE PROBLEMS

Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Double vision (diplopia)

TROUBLE TALKING, CHEWING, OR SWALLOWING

Slurred speech
Difficulty chewing food
Choking easily

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

Especially after activity
Improves with rest
Often affects the eyes, face, throat, and limbs

EYE PROBLEMS

Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Double vision (diplopia)

TROUBLE TALKING, CHEWING, OR SWALLOWING

Slurred speech
Difficulty chewing food
Choking easily

Want more information about this condition?

Because symptoms can worsen quickly, early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding serious complications.

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Risk Factors
for Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for MG:

Things you can’t change

Age: Most common in women under 40 and men over 60.
Sex: Women are more likely to develop MG earlier in life; men tend to develop it later.
Race: Studies suggest Black communities may be diagnosed at younger ages and may face delays in diagnosis.
Family history: Rare, but if autoimmune diseases run in your family, your risk could be higher.

Things That May Influence Severity

Other autoimmune diseases: Like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease.
Infections, stress, and surgery: These can sometimes trigger symptoms or flare-ups.
Certain medications: Some drugs can make MG symptoms worse (for example, certain antibiotics and blood pressure medications)

Treating and Managing Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Here are a few ways to prevent MG:

1. Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help muscles work better.
Immunosuppressants calm down the overactive immune system.

2. Therapies

Plasmapheresis (blood filtering) or IVIG therapy can remove harmful antibodies from the blood during severe flare-ups.

3. Lifestyle Support

Balance activity with rest and use tools and strategies to make daily activities easier.
Emotional and mental health support is important too—chronic conditions can be isolating without the right community.

Treating and Managing Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Here are a few ways to prevent MG:

1. Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help muscles work better.
Immunosuppressants calm down the overactive immune system.

2. Therapies

Plasmapheresis (blood filtering) or IVIG therapy can remove harmful antibodies from the blood during severe flare-ups.

3. Lifestyle Support

1. Medications

Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help muscles work better.
Immunosuppressants calm down the overactive immune system.

2. Therapies

Plasmapheresis (blood filtering) or IVIG therapy can remove harmful antibodies from the blood during severe flare-ups.

3. Lifestyle Support

Resources for Myasthenia Gravis

While there’s no cure yet, treatment can help many people with MG live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Hear From People With MG

Real stories from people living with MG—and how they find hope and strength every day.

Build a Stronger Body

Discover gentle movement practices and breathing exercises that support muscle health.

Understand The Signs of MG

Take this quick quiz on MG symptoms and see if you can separate fact from fiction.

Resources for Myasthenia Gravis

While there’s no cure yet, treatment can help many people with MG live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Hear from Community Members

Real stories from people living with MG—and how they find hope and strength every day.

Build a Stronger Body

Discover gentle movement practices and breathing exercises that support muscle health.

Understand The Signs of MG

Take this quick quiz on MG symptoms and see if you can separate fact from fiction.