Question 1

What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and fatigue. It is caused by autoantibodies that attack proteins at the neuromuscular junction, disrupting communication between nerves and muscles. The MuSK and LRP4 Antibodies Panel is the most important test for diagnosing seronegative MG cases where typical acetylcholine receptor antibodies are absent.

Question 2

What causes Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by autoantibodies that attack proteins at the neuromuscular junction where nerves communicate with muscles. In most cases, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors, but in seronegative MG, the immune system produces antibodies against other proteins like MuSK (muscle-specific kinase) or LRP4 (lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4). These autoantibodies block or destroy the proteins needed for normal nerve-muscle signaling, resulting in progressive muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Question 3

What is the best test for Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

The MuSK and LRP4 Antibodies Panel is the most important test for diagnosing seronegative Myasthenia Gravis because it detects specific autoantibodies in patients who test negative for typical acetylcholine receptor antibodies. This comprehensive panel identifies MuSK antibodies, which are found in patients with predominantly facial and bulbar muscle weakness, and LRP4 antibodies, which interfere with nerve-muscle communication in another subset of MG patients. Testing for these antibodies is essential because different antibody types respond differently to treatment, allowing your healthcare provider to develop a targeted therapy plan specific to your MG subtype.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience progressive muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, particularly if you notice drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing or chewing, trouble speaking clearly, or weakness in your arms and legs that gets worse as the day progresses. Testing is especially important if you have been evaluated for MG but tested negative for acetylcholine receptor antibodies, as you may have seronegative MG requiring MuSK and LRP4 antibody testing. Early diagnosis is crucial because appropriate treatment can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Common symptoms include drooping of one or both eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing or chewing, trouble speaking with a nasal quality to your voice, weakness in your arms and legs, and difficulty holding up your head. You might notice that simple activities like climbing stairs, lifting objects, or even smiling become increasingly difficult as you use those muscles. The hallmark feature is fluctuating weakness that typically worsens as the day progresses and improves after periods of rest.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis can affect anyone, but certain groups have higher risk. Women are more commonly affected in their 20s and 30s, while men are more frequently diagnosed after age 60. People with other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis have increased risk. Those with thymus gland abnormalities, including thymomas or thymic hyperplasia, are also at higher risk. Family history of autoimmune diseases increases susceptibility, though MG itself is not directly inherited.

Question 7

What happens if Myasthenia Gravis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Myasthenia Gravis can progress to life-threatening complications, most notably myasthenic crisis, where breathing muscles become so weak that respiratory failure occurs requiring emergency ventilation. Progressive muscle weakness can lead to severe difficulty swallowing, increasing the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Chronic muscle weakness significantly impacts quality of life, making daily activities like eating, walking, and self-care extremely difficult or impossible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these serious complications and maintain muscle function.

Question 8

Can Myasthenia Gravis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis can be diagnosed with blood tests that detect specific autoantibodies attacking the neuromuscular junction. The most common test looks for acetylcholine receptor antibodies, which are positive in about 85% of generalized MG cases. For patients who test negative for these antibodies, the MuSK and LRP4 Antibodies Panel identifies other autoantibody types responsible for seronegative MG. Blood testing is typically combined with clinical examination, electromyography studies, and sometimes imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific MG subtype.

Question 9

How is Myasthenia Gravis treated?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis is treated with medications that improve nerve-muscle communication and suppress the autoimmune response. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like pyridostigmine help increase acetylcholine availability at the neuromuscular junction, providing symptom relief. Immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, or mycophenolate reduce antibody production. For severe cases or myasthenic crisis, plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin rapidly removes harmful antibodies from the blood. Some patients benefit from surgical removal of the thymus gland, particularly those with thymomas. Treatment plans are individualized based on antibody type, symptom severity, and response to therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia Gravis cannot be prevented because it is an autoimmune condition that develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. However, if you have MG, you can prevent symptom flare-ups by avoiding known triggers such as stress, infections, extreme heat, and certain medications including some antibiotics, beta-blockers, and anesthetics. Maintaining consistent medication schedules, getting adequate rest, managing stress, and working closely with your healthcare team can help prevent myasthenic crises and keep symptoms under control.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Myasthenia Gravis?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage Myasthenia Gravis by pacing your activities and scheduling demanding tasks during times when your strength is best, typically in the morning after rest. Take frequent breaks to prevent muscle fatigue, and modify your environment with assistive devices like grab bars, shower chairs, and elevated toilet seats to conserve energy. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with soft foods can help if you have swallowing difficulties. Avoid extreme temperatures and stay cool, as heat can worsen muscle weakness. Always take your medications exactly as prescribed and keep a symptom diary to help identify triggers and track your response to treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Myasthenia Gravis Blood Test

What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?

What causes Myasthenia Gravis?

What is the best test for Myasthenia Gravis?

When should I get tested for Myasthenia Gravis?

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