How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed by healthcare professionals?

Myasthenia gravis is diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a combination of tests and evaluations.

1. Medical History and Physical Exam:

• Doctors start by asking about symptoms like muscle weakness and fatigue. They also check for any drooping of the eyelids or other muscle problems.

2. Blood Tests:

• Blood tests are used to look for antibodies that interfere with how nerves talk to muscles. These antibodies are a common cause of myasthenia gravis.

3. Nerve Tests:

• Special tests called electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies help doctors see how well nerves send signals to muscles. These tests can show if there is a problem with nerve-muscle communication.

4. Imaging Tests:

• Sometimes, doctors use imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to check for issues in the chest area, such as a tumor in the thymus gland, which can be related to myasthenia gravis.

These steps help doctors confirm if someone has myasthenia gravis and decide the best way to help them feel better.