Understanding and Managing MG Symptoms
Navigating the Challenges of MG Symptoms
Myasthenia Gravis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, ranging from mild fatigue to muscle weakness that impacts daily activities. Learning how to manage these symptoms is a vital step toward maintaining your quality of life.
Key Symptoms
Common Symptoms of MG
- Muscle weakness (especially in the eyes, face, throat, and limbs).
- Fatigue that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Difficulty with speech, chewing, or swallowing.
- Double vision (diplopia) or drooping eyelids (ptosis).
- Weakness in breathing muscles during severe episodes.
How Symptoms May Vary
- Symptom intensity can fluctuate throughout the day.
- Physical or emotional stress may worsen symptoms.
- Recognising personal triggers can help in symptom management.
Practical Tips for Symptom Management
Rest and Pacing
- Rest before you fatigue and then try again
- Take regular breaks during the day.
- Prioritise energy for essential activities.
Nutrition
- Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods if swallowing is difficult.
- Stay hydrated to support overall health.
Physical Therapy
- Engage in light, MG-friendly exercises to maintain mobility and strength.
- Consult with a physiotherapist familiar with MG for tailored advice.
Plan for Fluctuations
- Keep a symptom journal to identify patterns or triggers.
- Adjust daily activities based on your energy levels.
Exploring Treatment Options for Myasthenia Gravis
Finding the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Myasthenia Gravis can be effectively managed with a combination of treatments tailored to your unique needs. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the options, but understanding these treatments can help you make informed decisions.
Key Treatment Categories
Medications
- Anticholinesterase Agents (e.g., Pyridostigmine, Mestinon®): Help improve nerve signal transmission to muscles.
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., Prednisone, methotrexate, mycophenolate and azathioprine. Cyclophosphamide and cyclosporin and Tacrolimus): Reduce immune system activity to limit symptom severity.
- Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Rituximab): Target specific immune system components for advanced cases.
- FcRN inhibitors (e.g., Rozanolixizumab and efgartigimod): **awaiting support from the PBAC**
- Complement inhibitors (e.g., Ravulizumab and Zilucoplan ): **awaiting support from the PBAC**
- Note: Each of these treatments become effective in varying time frames. Each works on different pathways in the body. Each treatment comes with side effects. It is very important to learn something about the options before having a full and sometimes related conversation with your Specialist. Your Specialist will be monitoring the side effects and benefits to ensure that most effective treatments are offered.
Advanced Therapies
- Plasmapheresis (PTE): A procedure that removes antibodies from the blood to reduce symptom intensity. Can be for acute and also chronic care.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): Provides temporary relief by altering immune system activity. Special application by your Specialist is required. The National Blood Authority (NBA) will require regular review.
- Thymectomy: Surgical removal of the thymus gland, which has been shown to reduce the need for supporting treatments and can improve symptoms in some cases. Recommended for patients with thymoma.
Lifestyle and Supportive Treatments
- Physiotherapy/Exercise physiologist: Supports strength, flexibility, and movement to improve daily function.
- Speech and Swallowing Therapy:Helps with speech clarity and safe swallowing for better nutrition.
- Mental Health Support: Focuses on coping strategies and emotional well-being for MG patients.
- Dietitian: Provides nutritional advice to optimise energy and muscle health.
Build Your Support Team
- Family & Friends
- General Practitioner
- Specialist Team
- Myasthenia Gravis Association of Queensland (MGAQ)
- Myasthenia Gravis Association of NSW (MGNSW)
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Stay Connected & Supported
Living with MG can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Get the latest tips, personal stories, and practical advice straight to your inbox by signing up for the MAA News Feed.
Caring for Your Mental Health
Your Emotional Well-Being Matters
Living with Myasthenia Gravis can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but prioritising your mental health can make a significant difference in managing your journey with MG.
Key Topics
Emotional Challenges
- Feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression are common among individuals with MG.
- Adjusting to lifestyle and workplace changes can bring frustration or uncertainty.
Practical Strategies for Mental Health
- Connect with Support Groups: Talking to others who share similar experiences can provide comfort and encouragement.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can reduce stress.
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on small, achievable goals to maintain a sense of accomplishment.
- Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional can provide tailored coping strategies and support.
Support Networks
- Family and Friends: Share your feelings with loved ones and ask for their understanding and assistance.
- Coffee and Chats: See your State based association to ways to connect with someone who understands your journey.
The MGAQ and MGNSW accept people from all over Australia. Contact them today.
Mental Health Support for People Living with a Rare Disease
Managing life with a rare disease can bring unique emotional and psychological challenges. To help, a series of fact sheets have been developed via the RArEST Project to provide trusted information on digital mental health and connect the rare disease community with credible online mental health services.
Download the fact sheets:
Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) – Rare Awareness Rare Education
Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) – Rare Awareness Rare Education
Empower yourself with knowledge and support - access these valuable resources today or visit their website.
Find Strength in Connection
You’re Not Alone on This Journey
Living with Myasthenia Gravis can feel isolating at times but connecting with others who truly understand your challenges can make all the difference. Peer support offers comfort, shared knowledge, and encouragement to help you thrive.
Key Topics
Why Peer Support Matters
- Emotional Support: Talking to someone who understands your experience can ease feelings of isolation.
- Shared Knowledge: Learn practical tips and coping strategies from others who have walked a similar path.
- Encouragement and Motivation: Celebrate progress and milestones together, no matter how small.
MAA Peer Support Programs
- Support Groups: Join our regular virtual or in-person ‘Coffee and Chats’ sessions to connect with fellow MG Warriors in a supportive and relaxed environment.
- Online Communities: Access our safe, moderated private Facebook group to share experiences and ask questions.
How to Get Started
- Attend a Group Session: Find one near you via the State Associations.
- Connect Online: Join the state based online Facebook communities to stay connected wherever you are.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
Every Myasthenia Gravis journey is unique, and each one is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. Meet members of our community who inspire us every day.
Meet Lyn
Painting Through Adversity
Lyn Church is a modern impressionist artist who channels her strength and creativity into breathtaking oil paintings.
Diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, Lyn faces challenges like double vision and muscle weakness, but she refuses to let these obstacles define her. Instead, she has embraced her passion for art, often painting outdoors where the light and scenery inspire her.
Through her work, she has shown that MG cannot diminish creativity or determination.
In a testament to her generosity, Lyn became the first person to donate her artwork to MAA’s annual Art with Heart Auction. Her contribution not only raises vital funds for our community but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Never give up! Even though we suffer from this rare condition, we are strong, and we can achieve!
Lyn Church
Carol’s Strength
Advocating for Awareness
Diagnosed after six years on the medical merry-go-round, Carol has lived with Myasthenia Gravis for over 20 years. Stepping away from work to focus on her health was a tough decision, but one she made to protect her quality of life and support her family.
Today, Carol is a powerful advocate for the MG community. Based in Queensland, she has served as President of the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Queensland (MGAQ) and has been part of the Myasthenia Alliance Australia (MAA) since its inception—helping drive national awareness, advocacy, and change. Her story is one of strength, service, and standing up for others living with MG.
Carol has been a passionate and consistent advocate for people with Myasthenia Gravis for over a decade. Through her leadership with both MGAQ and MAA, she has contributed enormously to national efforts focused on improving quality of life for MG warriors. Her personal journey and deep commitment continue to inspire the broader community.
When you can’t do what you once could, focus on what you still can. Advocacy gave me purpose – and purpose gives me strength.
Carol Buchanan
ART AS ADVOCACY
Transforming Pain Into Purpose
Diagnosed with Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis after years of unexplained symptoms, Chloe Wigg’s journey has been marked by misdiagnosis, medication trials, and moments of despair, watch her story here. Yet through it all, she has found strength in creativity ... turning her lived experience into award-winning advocacy.
Her exhibition Oh MG uses over 2,000 recycled Mestinon bottles to tell a powerful story about resilience and resourcefulness. From delicate snowflakes to bold self-portraits, Chloe’s artwork draws attention to the often-invisible realities of MG while celebrating the strength of the community that surrounds it.
Through her involvement with MGAQ and the support of the MG community, Chloe has transformed isolation into impact - raising awareness, building connections, and creating meaning from her lived experience.
Follow Chloe’s work as an artist by visiting -
Chloe’s art shares the vulnerability and strength of people with MG, while building powerful connections through creativity and community.
This exhibition became my lifeline and my purpose. I’m deeply honoured by the trust the MG community has placed in me.
Chloe Wigg
Guidance for People Newly Diagnosed with Myasthenia
Being diagnosed with a Myasthenia condition can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Myasthenia Alliance Australia (MAA) is here to support you with reliable information, community connections, and resources to help you navigate your journey.
To assist patients and families, Rare Voices Australia (RVA) has developed an official guidance resource in collaboration with MAA and medical experts. This evolving document provides trusted information on living with Myasthenia, accessing care, and managing the condition effectively.
Visit the RVA RARE Portal and type Myasthenia in the search box to access dedicated resources.
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Get Practical Advice for Managing MG
From treatment options to lifestyle adjustments, stay up to date with real-world insights on managing MG. Sign up for the MAA News Feed and receive valuable information that can help you live well with MG.
Patient FAQs
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic condition that affects the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Learn more on our MG Information page.
Advice & Insights
Living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) comes with unique challenges, but the right strategies can help improve quality of life. This section provides practical advice, personal experiences, and expert insights on managing MG day-to-day.
From symptom management and treatment options to mental well-being and lifestyle adjustments, find the latest tips and resources to help you navigate life with MG.
Explore the latest articles below for guidance and support.
