Myasthenia gravis is a muscle weakness disorder caused by faulty communication between nerves and muscles. This condition is known as a neuromuscular junction disorder, which includes myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and congenital myasthenic syndromes. In myasthenia gravis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the receptors responsible for receiving nerve signals, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Myasthenia gravis can affect any muscle group in the body, but it most commonly affects the muscles controlling eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptom is muscle weakness, which worsens with activity and improves with rest. Other symptoms may include double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks.
Currently, there is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but proper treatment and care can help manage the symptoms and help people lead more independent lives. The UCSF Myasthenia Gravis Clinic diagnoses and cares for people with neuromuscular junction disorders. This clinic is a one-stop shop where patients with these disorders can be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, we perform physical exams, lab tests, and electrodiagnostic tests (used to measure electrical activity in nerves). Our neurologists work closely with other specialists – including neuro-ophthalmologists and thoracic surgeons – to develop custom-tailored treatment plans. To reduce symptoms, the healthcare team may use a class of agents called immunomodulators (drugs that impact how the immune system works). Other possible treatments include physical, speech, and respiratory therapy, all of which can improve quality of life. To visit this clinic, you'll need your doctor's referral.
Learn more about the UCSF Myasthenia Gravis Clinic.