Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease causing fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, primarily affecting the neuromuscular junction. Symptoms vary by affected muscle groups and can range from eye muscle weakness, manifesting as ptosis or diplopia, to more extensive involvement including bulbar, axial, and limb muscles. A myasthenic crisis, often induced by infections or stress, can lead to acute respiratory failure requiring urgent care. Diagnostic procedures typically involve serologic testing for autoantibodies, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging to detect associated thymomas.

Treatment strategies for MG focus on symptom management and crisis prevention, utilizing medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants, along with interventions like plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulins for severe episodes. Effective long-term management requires vigilant monitoring for disease or treatment-related complications and a coordinated approach by an interprofessional healthcare team to educate patients on managing triggers, maintaining medication compliance, and detecting early signs of exacerbation.

Reference: Beloor Suresh A, Asuncion RMD. Myasthenia Gravis. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 32644757.