Conditions

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune condition causing muscle weakness that gets worse with activity.

When to get emergency help

Seek emergency care (call 112) for any difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Call 112

About this condition

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system disrupts communication between nerves and muscles. This causes muscle weakness that gets worse with use and improves with rest.

It often affects the eye muscles first, but it can also affect the face, throat, arms and legs.

Common symptoms

  • Drooping eyelids
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking clearly
  • Weakness of the arms or legs that gets worse through the day
  • Shortness of breath, which needs urgent care

Having one or more of these does not by itself mean you have a particular condition. A doctor's assessment is needed to find the cause.

How it is assessed

  1. A history and examination, including checks of how quickly muscles tire.
  2. Blood tests for antibodies.
  3. Specialised nerve tests and chest imaging, where advised.

Who may be affected

  • People with weakness that varies through the day
  • People with drooping eyelids or double vision

Preparing for your appointment

It helps to bring:

  • Previous medical reports, prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
  • MRI or CT scan films and reports, if you have them
  • A list of all the medicines you take, with their doses
  • A short note of your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and what makes them better or worse

How the clinic can help

  • Treatment to improve muscle strength and control the immune response.
  • Regular review and advice on avoiding triggers.

Recommendations depend on the clinician's assessment of your individual situation. This website cannot diagnose your condition or guarantee a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

Is myasthenia gravis treatable?

Yes. Many people achieve good control of their symptoms with treatment.

What is a myasthenic crisis?

It is a serious worsening of weakness that affects breathing or swallowing. It is a medical emergency. Call 112.

Clinic locations

Please confirm the OPD day, timings and availability of this service when you book.

This page gives general information to help you understand this topic. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

EMG

A test that checks how well the muscles, and the nerves that control them, are working.

View Details: EMG

Book an appointment or contact the clinic

Call or send a WhatsApp message to ask about appointment times at the Patna clinics.