This website on Myasthenia Gravis was created and maintained by a group of patients diagnosed with MG. Its purpose is to provide information that is specifically relevant to the context of Singapore, as most of the current available resources are primarily focused on the United States.
This site is intended for education and support for people affected by Myasthenia Gravis in Singapore. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, especially after activity and towards the end of the day. It happens when the immune system interferes with communication between nerves and muscles, particularly at the neuromuscular junction.
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MG commonly affects muscles that control:
- Eye and eyelid movement
- Facial expression and speech
- Chewing and swallowing
- Breathing
- Arm and leg movement
[singhealth.com.sg], [ttsh.com.sg]
Types of Myasthenia Gravis
Ocular MG
- Affects only the eye muscles
- Causes drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision
- May remain limited or progress to generalised MG
[singhealth.com.sg]
Generalised MG
- Involves muscles beyond the eyes
- Can affect swallowing, breathing, limbs, and neck muscles
- Symptoms often fluctuate and worsen with exertion
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Common Symptoms
- Drooping eyelids
- Double or blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness in arms, legs, or neck
- Fatigue that improves with rest
[singhealth.com.sg], [ttsh.com.sg]
MG is often referred to as the snowflake disease, indicating that symptoms can vary significantly among individuals.
Causes and Risk Factors
MG is caused by autoantibodies (commonly acetylcholine receptor antibodies) that disrupt nerve-muscle signalling.
[singhealth.com.sg], [ttsh.com.sg]
The thymus gland plays an important role:
- Some patients have an enlarged thymus or thymoma (tumour)
- Thymus abnormalities are commonly linked to MG