American Orthoptic Journal

Am Orthopt J  50:64-75 (2000).

John Pratt-Johnson Annual Lecture

The Office Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis

Neil R. Miller, M.D.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease characterized clinically by muscle weakness and fatigability, attributed to too few available acetylcholine (ACh) receptors at neuromuscular junctions.' Receptor depletion is mediated by one or more antibodies directed against acetylcholine receptors, resulting in impaired neuromuscular transmission. The diagnosis of MG can usually be made in the physician's office by combining a careful clinical examination with appropriate diagnostic tests.