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Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

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Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular condition that causes weakness in voluntary muscles (skeletal muscles) that worsens with activity and improves with rest. It is caused by an abnormal response in the immune system.

The weakness occurs when the nerve impulses that initiate or sustain movement do not adequately reach the muscle cells because the immune system targets the body's own cells. This is called an autoimmune response. An immune system produces antibodies that attach to one’s own cells, which prevents muscles from receiving the message from the nerves.

Myasthenia gravis can occur at any time, but is more common in young women and older men.

Symptoms

The earliest symptoms of myasthenia gravis usually affect vision and include:

  • Double vision
  • Difficulty maintaining a steady gaze
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Other symptoms include:
  • A drooping head
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Difficulty climbing stairs
  • Difficulty talking
  • Facial paralysis
  • Difficulty lifting objects
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty standing from a seated position
  • Muscle weakness that improves with rest
  • Gagging or choking

Causes

The cause of myasthenia gravis is unknown.

Factors that can make myasthenia gravis worse include:

  • Fatigue
  • Illness
  • Stress
  • Extreme heat
  • Some medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, quinine, and some antibiotics

Diagnosis

The first method of diagnosis is the physical exam and medical history. The main indication of myasthenia gravis is weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Treatment

Doctors use a variety of treatments—alone or in combination—to relieve symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Treatment for myasthenia gravis includes medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

There are several techniques for performing a thymectomy, including:

  • Robotic thymectomy. The surgeon makes three tiny incisions, usually on the left side of the chest. A small camera and robotically controlled surgical instruments are advanced through these incisions. The surgeon’s hand movements control the robotic instruments using a control console and computer. The benefits of robotic thymectomy include briefer hospital stays, less pain and risk of infection, and faster healing and recovery time.
  • Transsternal radical thymectomy. The surgeon makes a lengthwise incision in the center of the chest and separates the breastbone (sternum) to gain access to the chest. The thymus is then removed. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and is the most invasive form of thymectomy and requires the longest recovery time.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

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Neurology

The Neurology Department offers a full spectrum of neurological care for all neurological disorders, from epilepsy to headaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Our robust research program…
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Neuromuscular Disorders

Our expert team cares for people with a wide range of conditions that affect the muscles and peripheral nervous system, from carpal tunnel syndrome to ALS. We offer state-of-the-a…
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Ophthalmology

Boston University Eye Associates offers routine eye examinations as well as a wide array of diagnostic evaluations and treatments for patients of all ages with eye conditions that…
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Cardiothoracic Surgery

Our cardiac and thoracic surgeons deliver exceptional, personalized care to patients with diseases of the heart, lungs, chest, and esophagus using state-of-the-art technology.
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Rheumatology

The Department of Rheumatology provides a full range of services - including joint injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and infusion therapies – for arthritis and systemic rheu…