A myasthenic crisis occurs when the muscles that control breathing are affected. This can create a medical emergency requiring either a respirator to help the person breath or measures to prevent a person from taking too much air into their lungs.

Weak respiratory muscles, infection, fever, or a bad reaction to medication can also trigger a crisis. Treatments such as intravenous immune globulin and plasma exchange can reverse the severe weakness of a myasthenic crisis.

To help ease fatigue:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Budget your energy.
  
• Rest your eyes or lie down briefly a few times a day.
  
• Work with your neurologist.
  
• Work with your doctor to limit medication side effects and keep your general health good.
  
• Eat healthy foods from all the major food groups

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, within the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research on MG. Research findings have led to more timely and accurate diagnoses.

New and enhanced therapies have improved management of the disorder. Despite these advances, there is still much to learn. The ultimate goal of MG research is to increase understanding of the disorder. Researchers are seeking to learn what causes the autoimmune response in MG and to better define the relationship between the thymus gland and MG.

There are certain drugs that patients with MG should avoid or only use with caution. You should always discuss these concerns with your doctor or neurologist; make sure these professionals knows every drug you are taking, including over-the-counter medications. Your pharmacist may be another good resource.

Researchers are uncertain of the cause of MG, but do not believe that it is hereditary. A genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases can run in families, but MG is not thought to be directly hereditary.