Overview
What is myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular condition, characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue under voluntary control, caused by deterioration of ordinary communication between nerves and muscles.1 The usual cause of MG is an acquired immunological abnormality, but some cases result from genetic abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction.2
How common is myasthenia gravis?
In the U.S., it is estimated that 20 in 100,000 have MG, approximately 36,000 to 60,000 cases. However, as myasthenia gravis often remains underdiagnosed, the prevalence is most likely higher.3
Questions regarding your myasthenia gravis therapy
You can reach the Accredo myasthenia gravis care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week by phone or online.
24-hour Customer Service Center
- 1MayoClinic.org Myasthenia Gravis
- 2Myasthenia.org What is MG?
- 3Myasthenia.org What is MG Quick Facts
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
Symptoms may include: droopy eyelids and/ or double vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty breathing, problems chewing and swallowing or trouble performing everyday tasks and generalized muscle weakness.1
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis of MG is confirmed via several methods, including the following:
- Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody testing - Blood test to detect abnormal antibodies.1
- Anti-MuSK antibody testing - Blood test for MG patients who have tested negative for the acetylcholine antibody (AChR).1
- Ice Pack tests - Ice Pack tests are examinations performed by specialists to evaluate strength and recovery responses that could be consistent with an MG diagnosis.1
- Edrophonium test - Edrophonium is a drug that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing the clinician to understand your muscle response and whether the results are consistent with an MG diagnosis.1
- Electromyography (EMG) - Repetitive nerve stimulations (RNS) applying electrical shocks are often used to gauge muscle response and action potential and whether results are consistent with an MG diagnosis.1
- Single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) - Detects neuromuscular transmission defects by recording action potentials from individual muscle fibers using a small needle electrode.1
A clinician skilled in recognizing and distinguishing MG from other conditions is important in determining a proper diagnosis.
- 1Myasthenia.org Autoimmune MG and diagnostic Tests
Medications
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for myasthenia gravis.
Financing Your Care
Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.
Community financial resources
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Find Support
Myasthenia gravis organizations.
Support organizations
Meet the Team
Accredo’s myasthenia gravis care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.