Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic condition that causes muscle weakness in the voluntary muscles you can control—such as those in your eyes, face, throat, neck, arms, and legs. It occurs because of a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles.

Muscle weakness typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Symptoms may come and go at first, but they usually progress over time. In severe cases, MG can affect breathing and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
Double vision (diplopia)
Changes in speech (soft or nasal voice)
Difficulty swallowing, eating, or speaking
Changes in facial expression
Frequent choking while eating or drinking

Tests

To confirm a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, your doctor may recommend:

Visual Acuity Test:

Evaluation of muscle tone, strength, eye movements, balance, and coordination.

Edrophonium Test:

A short-acting medication (edrophonium chloride) that temporarily improves muscle strength in MG.

Blood Test:

Identifies antibodies that interfere with nerve-to-muscle communication.

Electromyography (EMG):

Measures how muscles respond to electrical stimulation.

Imaging (CT or MRI)

Detects thymus gland tumors or other abnormalities.

Lung Function Tests

Assess breathing strength and lung capacity.

Treatments

While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

Nutritional supplementation:
Intramuscular or oral vitamin therapy to correct deficiencies.

Corticosteroids & Immunosuppressants: Reduce abnormal antibody production.

Intravenous Therapies:

Surgery (Thymectomy):
Removal of the thymus gland, sometimes curing or significantly improving MG. Our surgeons use minimally invasive, robotic-assisted techniques for faster recovery.

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

A Comprehensive Team –
At Bascom Palmer, your care is coordinated by a team of eye specialists, neurologists, surgeons, and other experts, ensuring you receive the most complete and personalized care.

Advanced Surgical Expertise –
Backed by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, we are leaders in minimally invasive and robotic thymectomy procedures. Physicians worldwide train here to learn our advanced techniques.

Nationally Ranked Excellence –
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked #1 in the nation for ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report. When you choose us, you receive compassionate, world-class care.

Support for You and Your Family –
Living with a chronic condition can be challenging. We provide not only advanced medical treatment, but also the resources, education, and support needed to help you and your loved ones manage MG with confidence.

FAQ

How does myasthenia gravis primarily affect the eyes?

Myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune muscle weakener, debuts oculary in 85%: droopy lids (ptosis) worsen evenings, diplopia drifts eyes apart—like batteries fading on focus. Acetylcholine receptors blocked, extraocular muscles tire first; it’s fluctuating, not fixed.

What other symptoms accompany eye involvement in MG?

Chewing fatigue, swallow slurs, limb wobbles join; thymoma ties 15%. Thymic overdrive amps antibodies—women 20-40 peak, but all ages hit.

How is MG diagnosed, especially the ocular form?

Ice pack test lifts ptosis (cold boosts transmission), edrophonium trial perks muscles; anti-AChR antibodies confirm 90%, EMG fatigues. CT chest hunts thymus—ocular MG may stay solo, but MRI rules mimics.

What therapies strengthen eyes in myasthenia gravis?

Pyridostigmine boosts signals hourly, steroids/immunosuppressants (azathio) calm storms; thymectomy cures 40% young. IVIG/plasmapheresis crisis-crushers—eyes align, lids lift in weeks.

How do patients manage daily with ocular MG?

Rest naps recharge, prisms/diplopia glasses adapt, tape props lids—stress/sickness flares dodgeable. Support circles share: “”Wink back at weakness,”” control claimed.