Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a complex autoimmune condition that interferes with the signals between nerves and muscles, often causing muscle weakness that affects how people speak, see, breathe, and move. Though MG is rare, it is manageable with the right medical plan and long-term care.
At Suite Life, we provide infusion-based therapy for people in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island living with MG in a relaxing, spa-inspired setting. Our infusion center specializes in administering physician-prescribed treatments like IVIG and Vyvgart, with coordinated support to help patients feel safe, informed, and empowered. With Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month observed in June, this is a timely opportunity to explore care options that can improve strength and confidence.
Whether you're navigating flare-ups or beginning maintenance therapy, we’re here to help you stay steady, strong, and supported, especially during Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.
What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the neuromuscular junction, the site where nerve cells communicate with muscle cells. The immune system produces abnormal antibodies, such as acetylcholine receptor antibodies, which block or damage the receptors needed for muscle contraction. This disruption in neuromuscular transmission leads to weakness in skeletal muscles, which control voluntary movements.
MG can affect ocular muscles, facial muscles, and, if more severe, the breathing muscles, making routine tasks significantly more difficult.
Recognizing Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary from person to person and may change in intensity throughout the day. Common symptoms include:
- Drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision, often the first signs of ocular myasthenia gravis
- Muscle weakness in the face, neck, arms, or legs, worsening with activity and improving with rest
- Difficulty with swallowing, chewing, or speaking clearly
- Shortness of breath due to involvement of the respiratory muscles
- Facial expressions that become flat or limited due to facial muscle weakness
In some cases, people may experience a myasthenia crisis, a medical emergency where breathing muscles weaken severely and require immediate intervention.
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
MG is considered an autoimmune disorder, with the exact cause often unknown. However, many cases are linked to the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies or muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies. In some individuals, seronegative myasthenia gravis occurs when these antibodies are not detectable, but the symptoms are present.
The thymus gland, which plays a role in immune function, is often abnormally large (thymic hyperplasia) or may develop thymus gland tumors. The etiology of myasthenia gravis suggests a complex interaction between immune response, genetics, and environmental factors.
Risk factors for MG include:
- Female gender under age 40 or male gender over age 60
- Family history of autoimmune disease
- Certain viral infections or chronic medical illnesses
How Is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed?
To diagnose myasthenia gravis, healthcare providers review a patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct a series of diagnostic tests, including:
- Blood tests to detect acetylcholine receptor antibodies or MuSK antibodies
- Repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber electromyography (EMG) to assess electrical activity in muscle fibers
- Imaging to examine the thymus gland for abnormalities
These tools help determine whether the condition is generalized myasthenia gravis or limited to specific muscle groups.
How Is Myasthenia Gravis Treated?
While there is currently no cure, there are multiple ways to treat myasthenia gravis and improve muscle strength. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s symptoms, lifestyle, and disease severity.
At Suite Life, we provide infusion therapy as prescribed by your physician to support MG patients. Our experienced infusion team administers:
- IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) – a treatment that introduces pooled antibodies from healthy donors to neutralize harmful autoantibodies and modulate the immune system. Although its full mechanism isn’t fully understood, IVIG can provide rapid relief during flare-ups and improve neuromuscular transmission.
- Vyvgart (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) – a targeted therapy that reduces pathogenic IgG antibodies by blocking the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), offering a more precise immune modulation for those with generalized myasthenia gravis.
These therapies are often used to manage flare-ups, minimize muscle fatigue, and maintain function for people with myasthenia gravis, especially when oral medications are no longer sufficient.
Patients can receive these treatments in our comfortable, professional infusion suite, with the assurance that our team works in coordination with your referring provider to ensure safe, timely, and personalized care.
Why Choose Suite Life for MG Support?
Suite Life offers a compassionate, expert-led approach to infusion therapy for neurology-directed conditions like Myasthenia Gravis.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Relaxing, patient-focused infusion therapy for neurology-directed conditions like MG
- A knowledgeable team trained in delivering IVIG and Vyvgart
- Seamless communication with your prescribing neurologist or specialist
- A calming environment designed to ease the burden of ongoing treatment
We believe in delivering care that’s effective, comforting, and easy to access so patients can focus on living well.
Strengthen Your MG Support with Suite Life
Myasthenia Gravis is highly individualized, but with the right therapy and support system, it can be effectively managed. At Suite Life, we’re proud to be the infusion center many MG patients trust for consistent, compassionate care.
Schedule your infusion consultation or call us at (508) 567-5666 to learn more about IVIG or Vyvgart treatment support at our infusion center.
