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Neuromuscular diseases

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

A disease in which the immune system disrupts the signals between nerves and muscles. The muscles tire quickly and become weak. It often begins with a drooping eyelid and double vision.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Neuromuscular diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

Myasthenia gravis is a disease in which the immune system disrupts the signals between nerves and muscles. Because of this, the muscles tire quickly and become weak. The weakness increases with activity and decreases with rest. It is a long-lasting disease; there may be flare-ups and quiet periods.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms often begin with the eye muscles. They can change during the day and from day to day.

  • Drooping eyelids (common)
  • Double or blurred vision (common)
  • Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing (common)
  • Weakness in the face and neck muscles (common)
  • Weakness in the arms and legs (sometimes)
  • Serious weakening of the breathing muscles, called a myasthenic crisis (sometimes)

How is it diagnosed?

Blood tests and tests that measure nerve-to-muscle signals are used for the diagnosis. A CT scan or MRI may be done to look at the thymus gland in the chest. The thymus is a gland involved in the immune system.

Treatment and care

Medicines that reduce muscle weakness are used. Some people may need surgery to remove the thymus gland. Reducing tiredness and stress can ease the symptoms. Severe cases can be serious; but most people have a normal life expectancy. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

Myasthenia gravis is often not inherited. Most people with the disease have no one else in the family with it. In a small number of families, more than one person can be affected; it is helpful to talk about this with the doctor.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics – Myasthenia gravis · NHS – Myasthenia gravis

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Worldwide) · New cases per year: 1-9 per 1 000 000 (Worldwide)
When does it usually start?
Any age

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Links checked on October 8, 2026.

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about MG

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 100 active interventional studies for this disease. 57 are recruiting now; 7 have sites in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Neuromuscular diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:589 · ICD-11 8C60

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 6, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.