Myasthenia gravis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

There is no cure, but long-term remission is possible. There may be minimal restriction on activity in many cases. Patients that only have eye symptoms (ocular myasthenia gravis), may progress to have generalized myasthenia over time.

Pregnancy is possible for a woman with myasthenia gravis but should be closely supervised. The baby may be temporarily weak and require medications for a few weeks after birth but usually does not develop the disorder.

Complications

• Restrictions on lifestyle (possible)
• Side effects of medications (see the specific medication)
• Complications of surgery
• Myasthenic crisis (breathing difficulty), may be life threatening

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggesting myasthenia gravis occur.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if breathing difficulty or swallowing problems occur.

References

Benatar M, Kaminski HJ. Evidence report: the medical treatment of ocular myasthenia (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2007;68(24):2144-9.

Zinman L, Ng E, Bril V. IV immunoglobulin in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2007;68(11):837-41.

Goldman L ed. Cecil Texbook of Medicine, 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007.