Samantha Masterson, CEO and President of Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), describes the long diagnostic journey many myasthenia gravis patients face.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles. Common symptoms include weakness of the muscles that control the eyes, eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, talking, and swallowing. The condition results from a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, which is due to the presence of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (or other endplate receptors).
As Ms. Masterson explains, the road to diagnosis is long for myasthenia gravis patients. It can take up to 15 years for a myasthenia gravis patient to be properly diagnosed.
As Ms. Masterson states, it is most common for neurologists to diagnose myasthenia gravis. However, there is a large gap of knowledge about myasthenia gravis and very few specialists available. This is why the MGFA is focused on promoting education to improve awareness of the early signs and symptoms of this rare disease.
To learn more about myasthenia gravis, visit our Myasthenia Gravis Learning Center here.