Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition that causes muscles to get weak and tired. Something as simple as holding your eyes open or chewing food can feel harder than it should.
It doesn’t happen because the muscle is damaged, but because your body’s immune system is interrupting the way nerves talk to your muscles. That signal misfire makes everyday tasks more exhausting.
Myasthenia gravis often develops in stages, and symptoms can change over time. At first, you may notice weakness in just one area, such as drooping eyelids or trouble with your eyes. As the condition progresses, it can affect other parts of the body, like your face, arms, or legs, making everyday tasks more difficult. Understanding the stages of myasthenia gravis is the first step toward finding the right treatment and getting back a sense of control.
Common stages include:
Ocular stage: Symptoms start in the eyes, with drooping eyelids or double vision.
Mild generalized stage: Weakness spreads to other areas, like the face or neck, but daily life is still manageable.
Moderate to severe generalized stage: Muscles in the arms, legs, or throat are affected, making movement, chewing, or swallowing harder.
Crisis stage: In rare cases, breathing muscles are involved and emergency care is needed.
Symptoms of this condition can come and go. You might feel normal in the morning, then start to notice weakness in various parts of your body.
Such as:
If these symptoms sound familiar, and especially if they get worse as the day goes on, it’s worth talking to a neurologist.
Your neurologist will look for patterns in how your muscles respond, using simple tests during your exam. Blood tests can confirm if your body is making antibodies that disrupt nerve signals. In some cases, a special kind of nerve and muscle testing may be used to learn more and to determine what stage you're in.
For many, the journey to diagnosis has taken time. At CHRISTUS, we meet you where you are — whether you're just beginning to ask questions or looking for the right next step.
While there’s no cure for Myasthenia Gravis, there are ways to manage symptoms and regain strength. Treatments might include medication, therapy, or even surgery if the thymus gland is involved. Care is customized to you, your symptoms, and your life.
When your energy fades, you deserve people who stand beside you — listening, guiding, adjusting care as your body responds.
You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward.
Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.
From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones.
Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.
