Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Presentation and Diagnosis

Author(s):

Nicholas J. Silvestri, MD, FAAN,Ali Habib, MD

Key Takeaways

Myasthenia gravis presents with fluctuating muscle weakness, often starting with ocular symptoms like ptosis and diplopia in adults.
Pediatric MG may present similarly to adults but can include congenital forms, complicating diagnosis.
Underdiagnosis is due to symptom variability, overlap with other conditions, and lack of awareness among healthcare providers.
Persistent muscle weakness, particularly with ocular involvement, and fatigue that worsens with activity should prompt specialist consultation.

Panelists discuss how myasthenia gravis presents clinically in adults and children, factors contributing to its underdiagnosis, and symptoms that should prompt specialist consultation.

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Video content above is prompted by the following:

Although underdiagnosed, myasthenia gravis (MG) is estimated to affect up to 60,000 individuals in the United States. Please describe the typical clinical presentation of MG in both adult and pediatric patients.
What factors contribute to the underdiagnosis of generalized MG? What symptoms should prompt a visit to a neurologist or a neuromuscular specialist?