Myasthenia gravis

congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG), ocular myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), generalised myasthenia gravis

What is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune condition.

What causes myasthenia gravis?

When someone has MG, their antibodies do not work correctly, attacking the communication system of the body. It is not clear why this happens.

What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis may include:

  • droopy eyelids
  • double vision
  • difficulty swallowing and chewing
  • muscle weakness

Myasthenia Gravis can affect people of any age.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of MG, consult your GP. They may refer you to a specialist to help diagnose the condition.

Are you affected by myasthenia gravis?

If you’re affected by myasthenia gravis, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with myasthenia gravis, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with myasthenia gravis from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

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Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with myasthenia gravis

If you know someone affected by Myasthenia Gravis, the best thing you can do is be understanding, listen and offer them support. It is also important to take care of yourself, as you will not be able to offer help to someone else, if you are not physically and mentally well.

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with myasthenia gravis? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including myasthenia gravis, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Counsellling at The Brain Charity in Liverpool Emotional support

Counselling at The Brain Charity

Struggling with your mental health? Find someone to talk to about how you're feeling at The Brain Charity.
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Volunteering at The Brain Charity Social activities

Boost your confidence and gain skills by volunteering at The Brain Charity

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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on myasthenia gravis and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

This includes the book The Mysterious Illness – Myasthenia Gravis: My long journey to diagnosis & the daily struggles since an almost fatal surgery, by Hazel Smart.

Support groups

Myaware

Find your nearest myasthenia gravis support group.

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a myasthenia gravis support group, or do you already run one? Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

Myaware (charity dedicated to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia gravis)

Website: www.myaware.org