Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an uncommon condition that leads to muscle weakness. The muscles it targets are very crucial for activities such as breathing and general movement.
While anyone can get MG, it is most common in women below 40 years and males over 60 years old. It is sometimes difficult to recognize the symptoms associated with it. However, it is very essential to recognize these signs.
Muscle weakness: the key symptom
Muscle weakness is a common symptom associated with MG. It manifests in muscles that are responsible for movement. Weakness gets worse with activity but improves with rest.
People with MG get tired after small tasks like climbing stairs. Even lifting light objects can be hard. Over time, the weakness spreads, affecting breathing and swallowing.
At first, isolated muscle weakness may affect a particular region of the body. Most people easily mistake this idiopathic figure as fatigue from overworking. For example, arms might feel heavy after typing, or legs might feel weak after walking.
Sometimes it affects just one side of the body more. This can be confusing. Understanding how weakness comes and goes is key to spotting MG.
Double vision (diplopia)
Double vision, medically known as diplopia, is another common symptom associated with MG. It occurs when the muscles that control the movement of the eyes become weaker. As a result, the eyes do not line up correctly. This leads to blurry or double vision.
At first, double vision can come and go. It may only happen at certain times, particularly after prolonged or intensive eye usage. But as the disease gets worse, it can happen all the time. Double vision can make reading, driving, or walking difficult.
This symptom may be hard to diagnose because it isn’t always there during a doctor’s visit. If you experience frequent double vision or have difficulty focusing your gaze, you’d better see a health care specialist.
Headaches and eye strain can often cause double vision. You might find it hard to concentrate, especially when doing tasks that need clear vision, like using a computer or watching TV.
Drooping eyelids (Ptosis)
Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are a common sign of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). People with MG often have weak muscles around their eyes. This causes one of both eyelids to droop. It can happen quickly or slowly over time.
At first, you may notice your eyelids drooping after reading or watching TV for a while. As the condition gets worse, the drooping may happen even when you’re not tired. This can affect your vision. You may have to tilt your head or raise your eyebrows to see well.
If not treated, ptosis can make daily activities harder and lower your quality of life.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Trouble swallowing, or dysphagia, is another sign that your Myasthenia Gravis situation is getting worse.
Weak muscles in your throat and esophagus can make eating feel like you’re going through an obstacle course. At first, it might just be the tricky stuff, like bread or steak, that gives you trouble.
You might even feel like food is getting stuck halfway down. But as time goes on, even soup or water might decide to stage a rebellion.
If you ignore it, things could take a nosedive. This includes malnutrition, dehydration, or worse—accidentally sending food down the wrong pipe, leading to choking or lung problems.
Many people with MG notice it gets harder to swallow as the day drags on, especially after meals. So, if swallowing starts feeling like a game of chance, it's a good idea to get it checked out ASAP. Better safe than sorry, right?
Slurred speech (Dysarthria)
Weakness in the muscles that control the face and throat can lead to slurred speech, medically known as dysarthria. This is a common early sign of myasthenia gravis (MG).
Often, people don’t notice it at first or blame it on being tired or having a drink. With MG, speaking clearly becomes tough, especially after talking for a long time. The speech might sound soft, nasal, or slow, and the voice can turn hoarse or weak.
This can be frustrating because it makes communication harder. Others might notice the change in your speech before you do, as it tends to come on slowly. If you’re struggling to speak clearly or your voice feels tired after talking, it could be a sign of MG. It’s best to check with a doctor.
General weakness and fatigue
People with myasthenia gravis (MG) often feel extreme tiredness and weakness. This isn't the usual tiredness after a long day or lack of sleep.
It's a chronic, draining fatigue that can happen even after small tasks. The tiredness is often much worse than the effort you've put in. This makes keeping up with daily routines really hard.
Some people say their arms or legs feel heavy or slow. Getting out of bed can feel like a big challenge. As the day goes on, the fatigue gets worse.
Even brushing your teeth or making a meal can feel exhausting. This kind of fatigue is serious because it shows that the muscles aren’t getting the right signals from the nerves.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath should not be taken lightly as a symptom of MG. In advanced stages, the muscles used for breathing can become weak.
This can make it hard to breathe or cause shortness of breath. Sometimes, breathing problems show up early, especially after exercise or during stress. If untreated, it could lead to respiratory failure.
People with MG might feel out of breath after small tasks, like climbing stairs or walking a short distance. In severe cases, it can happen even when resting.
If you suddenly have trouble breathing, it's important to get emergency help right away. This could be a life-threatening issue.
Catching the early warning signs of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is like spotting a small crack before it turns into a full-blown sinkhole—it can make all the difference.
Muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, fatigue, and even breathing troubles may seem like minor inconveniences at first. But don't let them fool you—if left unchecked, these seemingly harmless symptoms can take a serious turn.
