How serious is myasthenia gravis?

Usually very serious: Myasthenia gravis is typically seen in the young and the elderly. In the latter group, they typically have ocular mg, that is there symptoms are confined to the eye muscles. In the young, symptoms include muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, visual problems(double vision, droopy eye lids), problems chewing. Symptoms worsen during the day.If not treated, it can be fatal.

Myasthenia gravis: It depends on the severity of the disease when it presents. Because it is an autoimmune disease it does tend to progressively worsen, but good rheumatologic/neurologic follow up can help to find appropriate medical therapy.

Treatment required: In years past, with less experience, many myasthenia pts had breathing crises, but with current therapy, things are far more stable, and pts rarely suffer "cholinergic" or "myasthenia" crises. However, make certain that your ongoing care comes from a neurologist very experienced in neuromuscular disease.