Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects how your nerves communicate with your muscles. In MG, your immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between nerves and muscles (the neuromuscular junction). This prevents muscles from contracting properly, leading to muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
MG most often affects the muscles that control the eyes, face, throat, and limbs. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.
Myasthenia gravis symptoms may come and go — often stronger later in the day or after physical activity. Early symptoms are often subtle and may affect only certain muscle groups.
Eye muscles:
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Double vision (diplopia)
Facial and throat muscles:
Difficulty speaking (soft or nasal voice)
Trouble swallowing or chewing food
Facial weakness (trouble smiling or raising eyebrows)
Neck and limb muscles:
Weakness in arms or legs
Trouble holding your head up
Fatigue with walking, lifting, or climbing stairs
If you experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe muscle weakness, seek immediate medical attention.
In autoimmune myasthenia gravis, the immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells. This prevents the nerves from properly activating your muscles.
While researchers aren’t sure why this happens, the condition is sometimes linked to problems with the thymus gland, a small organ in your chest that helps regulate the immune system.
There are several types of MG, including:
Autoimmune MG: The most common form, caused by abnormal antibodies.
Ocular MG: Limited to the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids.
Generalized MG: Involves multiple muscle groups throughout the body.
Congenital or Neonatal MG: Rare, inherited, or temporary forms found in newborns.
Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and neurological exam. Because MG can mimic other disorders, your doctor may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis, including electrodiagnostic studies performed by Dr. Hakimian at California Sports and Rehab:
1. EMG (Electromyography):
Measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during movement. It helps determine whether weakness comes from the muscle itself or the nerve connection.
2. Nerve Conduction Study (NCV):
Assesses how quickly and effectively electrical signals travel along your nerves. In MG, signal transmission may be slowed or disrupted.
3. Blood Tests:
Detect specific antibodies (such as AChR or MuSK antibodies) that confirm autoimmune MG.
4. Imaging (CT or MRI):
Used to check the thymus gland for enlargement or tumors (thymomas).
Early and accurate diagnosis through EMG/NCV testing is key to guiding effective treatment and improving quality of life.
While there’s no cure, Myasthenia Gravis is highly manageable with proper care. Treatment focuses on reducing immune system activity, improving nerve-muscle communication, and managing symptoms.
Common treatments include:
Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (like pyridostigmine) help improve muscle strength.
Immunosuppressants (like corticosteroids) reduce harmful antibody production.
IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) or Plasmapheresis: Temporarily remove or neutralize harmful antibodies during severe flare-ups.
Thymectomy (Surgery): Removes the thymus gland if it contributes to symptoms.
Lifestyle Support: Regular rest, stress reduction, and avoiding overheating can help prevent symptom worsening.
With proper treatment and follow-up, most patients lead full, active lives.
Managing MG means listening to your body and maintaining balance. Try these tips:
Schedule activities for times of day when your energy is highest.
Take short breaks during physical or repetitive tasks.
Avoid extreme heat and infections, which can worsen symptoms.
Stay consistent with medications and follow up regularly with your specialist.
At California Sports and Rehab, Dr. Hakimian provides ongoing care and patient education to help you understand your condition and live confidently with MG.
Q1: Is Myasthenia Gravis hereditary?
Most cases are not inherited. MG is usually an autoimmune condition that develops spontaneously. Rare congenital forms may run in families.
Q2: How is Myasthenia Gravis different from other nerve or muscle diseases?
Unlike muscle degeneration disorders, MG affects how nerve signals reach the muscles, not the muscles themselves. Weakness fluctuates rather than progressing steadily.
Q3: Can exercise help?
Yes — gentle, low-impact exercise can improve endurance, but avoid overexertion. Always consult your doctor before starting a program.
Q4: How do EMG and NCV tests help diagnose MG?
These tests measure how your nerves and muscles communicate. Abnormal patterns can reveal nerve transmission problems consistent with MG.
Q5: Can Myasthenia Gravis go into remission?
Yes. Some patients experience temporary or long-term remission, especially with early diagnosis and treatment.
If you experience persistent muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, or difficulty swallowing, don’t wait.
Dr. Hakimian, an experienced nerve specialist in California, provides expert evaluation and testing — including EMG and NCV — to diagnose and manage neuromuscular conditions like Myasthenia Gravis.
Call California Sports and Rehab at 310-652-6060 today to schedule a consultation or EMG/NCV test.
We accept most insurances, Private, Worker’s Comp and Personal Injury.
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