Published on: 6/20/2025
Can myasthenia gravis be a fatal condition if untreated?
Myasthenia gravis can be life-threatening if left untreated, as it may lead to severe muscle weakness affecting breathing and swallowing.
Explanation
Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes muscle weakness. If it's not treated, it can become very serious and even life-threatening. This is because the muscles that help you breathe and swallow can become too weak to work properly.
Key Points:
- Breathing Problems: Without treatment, the muscles that help you breathe can become very weak. This can make it hard to get enough air, which is dangerous.
- Swallowing Difficulties: Weak muscles can also make it hard to swallow. This can lead to choking or food getting into the lungs, which can cause infections.
According to studies, timely treatment is crucial. Treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent these serious complications. If you or someone you know has symptoms of myasthenia gravis, it's important to seek medical advice to start treatment early.
(References)
- Ramos-Fransi A, Rojas-García R, Segovia S, Márquez-Infante C, Pardo J, Coll-Cantí J, et al. (2015). Myasthenia gravis: descriptive analysis of life-threatening .... European journal of neurology, 25847221.
- Barohn RJ. (2008). Treatment and Clinical Research in Myasthenia Gravis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 18567872.
- Sinaei F, Fatehi F, Oveis Gharan S, Ehsan S, Kamali K, & Nafissi S. (2022). Disease severity and response to treatment in Iranian .... Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 34143342.
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