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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic is one of the world's leading medical centers for the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. Specialists at Mayo's three campuses collectively care for more than 350 myasthenia gravis patients each year. Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo care team members have special training and experience in treating myasthenia gravis. In addition, the most experienced electromyography lab in the nation and specialized diagnostic capabilities not available at any other medical center, help Mayo Clinic provide thorough and accurate diagnoses. Following diagnosis, a team of experts ensures that each patient has the most appropriate treatment plan.
Research at Mayo Clinic has uncovered some of the disease's mysteries. Ongoing collaboration between physicians and scientists at Mayo Clinic results in cutting-edge treatment of myasthenia gravis.
In addition to standard diagnostic tests for myasthenia gravis, Mayo Clinic has special diagnostic capabilities not available at any other medical center, including the largest electromyography lab in the nation, an internationally known immunologic lab, and a specialized muscle research lab. Learn about myasthenia gravis diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic offers all currently available treatments for myasthenia gravis. Treatment teams include neurologists, thoracic surgeons and research scientists from the electromyography and neuromuscular labs. Read more about myasthenia gravis treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery to remove the thymus gland.
Illustration of the nerve-muscle communications system.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles under voluntary control. Most commonly affected are the muscles of the face, eyes, arms and legs, and those involved in chewing, swallowing and talking. The disorder is caused by a breakdown in the communications system between nerves and muscles. The most common form in children and adults is autoimmune myasthenia gravis. For unknown reasons, it causes the immune system to produce antibodies that block or destroy receptors (in the muscles) of the chemical signals sent by the nerves.
Less common forms are congenital myasthenic syndromes. These are not autoimmune disorders; rather, the cause is genetic flaws at the neuromuscular junction which affect nerve and muscle communication. The end result is muscle weakness similar to that experienced by those with the autoimmune form of the disease. Symptoms of congenital myasthenia gravis typically appear in childhood, but may not be recognized until adulthood. Testing for this disease should be considered in adults whose blood tests for autoimmune myasthenia gravis are negative. See Treatment of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes.
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Two jobs, four kids and myasthenia gravis — this young mother does a remarkable job of managing a busy life and a serious neuromuscular disease.
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