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Myasthenia gravis

An evidence-led atlas of neuromuscular-junction autoimmunity, fluctuating weakness, antibody and electrophysiologic diagnosis, crisis, and long-term care.

myasthenia gravis · MG

MONDO:0009688Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · ceb0b32654fe

Disease class
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that impairs signaling at the neuromuscular junction.
Core mechanism
Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor, MuSK, or other targets are identified in subsets of patients.
Genes or cause
Weakness often fluctuates, worsening with activity and improving with rest.
Typical features
Ptosis and diplopia or facial, speech, swallowing, neck, limb, and respiratory weakness can occur.
Variability
Breathing difficulty or worsening secretion handling and swallowing may signal myasthenic crisis and require emergency assessment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis integrates characteristic fluctuating weakness, neurologic examination, autoantibodies, and electrophysiology.
Management
Chest imaging evaluates thymoma, and negative antibodies do not exclude disease when clinical and electrophysiologic evidence supports it.
Treatment and research
Thyroid disease, medication effects, and other neuromuscular disorders require differential assessment.
Reading evidence
Pyridostigmine is used for symptomatic improvement with individualized assessment of benefit and adverse effects.
Key caution
Glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal immunosuppressants are used according to disease extent and severity.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that impairs signaling at the neuromuscular junction.

Ptosis and diplopia or facial, speech, swallowing, neck, limb, and respiratory weakness can occur.

How the disease works

Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor, MuSK, or other targets are identified in subsets of patients.

Weakness often fluctuates, worsening with activity and improving with rest.

Why experiences vary

Breathing difficulty or worsening secretion handling and swallowing may signal myasthenic crisis and require emergency assessment.

Diagnosis and management

Diagnosis integrates characteristic fluctuating weakness, neurologic examination, autoantibodies, and electrophysiology.

Treatment status

Chest imaging evaluates thymoma, and negative antibodies do not exclude disease when clinical and electrophysiologic evidence supports it.

Thyroid disease, medication effects, and other neuromuscular disorders require differential assessment.

Reading clinical trials

Thymectomy and targeted biologic treatment are selected according to thymoma, antibody status, age, and treatment response.

Topics for a clinical visit

Clinical discussion should cover swallowing and breathing safety, antibody and thymus status, triggering medicines, infection and immunotherapy risks, and goals.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.