How long can you live with myasthenia gravis?

The age specific mortality rates were low below 50 years. After this age the mortality increased with age in both sexes; after 60 years more rapidly in men than in women. The overall survival rates three, five, 10, and 20 years from diagnosis were 85%, 81%, 69%, and 63% respectively.

How serious is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a lifelong medical condition. Early detection is key to managing this condition. The goal of treatment is to increase general muscle function and prevent swallowing and breathing problems. Most people with myasthenia gravis can improve their muscle strength and lead normal or near normal lives.

Who is most likely to get myasthenia gravis?

Who gets myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis affects both men and women and occurs across all racial and ethnic groups. It most commonly impacts young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), but it can occur at any age, including childhood. Myasthenia gravis is not inherited nor is it contagious.

Can myasthenia gravis be cured?

There’s no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of arm or leg muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.

What can be mistaken for myasthenia gravis?

Beware: there are other diseases that mimic myasthenia gravis. A number of disorders may mimic MG, including generalized fatigue, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, botulism, penicillamine-induced myasthenia, and congenital myasthenic syndromes.

Is myasthenia gravis completely curable?

The name myasthenia gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, means “grave, or serious, muscle weakness.” There is no known cure, but with current therapies, most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as “grave” as the name implies.