Multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis are autoimmune conditions affecting the nervous system. An autoimmune condition is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and cells of the body. While they share similarities, there are notable differences between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
Understanding these differences will help you manage your condition more effectively and improve your quality of life.
Below, we will examine multiple sclerosis vs. myasthenia gravis in greater detail. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatments, and outlook for both disorders to help you better understand and distinguish between them.
Overview
Let’s start with an overview of both conditions.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term neurological disorder that occurs when the body mistakenly attacks the protective layer around nerve cells, called myelin sheath, in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
This attack causes an interruption in the brain and spinal cord communication, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
MS can affect people of all ethnicities, but it’s more common in women of European descent.
Healthcare providers often diagnose MS in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. However, it can be diagnosed in other age groups too.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is another neurological autoimmune condition. The difference between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis is that the body attacks the receptors in the neuromuscular junction in MG.
This junction is the communication site between the nerves and muscles. When damaged, it prevents the muscles from receiving nerve signals, leading to muscle weakness and lack of contraction.
This disease can affect anyone. However, it’s more prevalent in white women under 40 and men over 60.
Symptoms
Now, let’s look at the symptoms of multiple sclerosis vs. myasthenia gravis.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Symptoms of MS will vary in each person based on the stage of their disease. The most common signs of MS include:
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Vision loss
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Trouble walking
- Memory problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Coordination and balance issues
- Numbness or tingling
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Blurred or double vision
- Muscle spasticity or weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis symptoms and complications typically happen in the voluntary muscles. People may notice weakness in the arms, legs, and face muscles that worsens with exertion.
The most common signs of myasthenia gravis include:
- Eyelid drooping
- Facial paralysis
- Speech difficulties
- Shortness of breath
- Eye muscle weakness
- Blurred or double vision
- Swallowing or chewing difficulties
- Weakness of the limbs, hands, or neck
Causes
Another difference between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis is their cause. While both conditions result from the body’s immune system attacking itself, the underlying reasons for this action may differ.
Let’s look closer at what the underlying reasons for multiple sclerosis vs. myasthenia gravis could be.
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
We don’t yet know the exact cause of MS, but the following factors may contribute to the disease:
- Genetics: Those with a family history of MS have a higher risk of developing it.
- Childhood Infections: Research suggests a potential connection exists between certain childhood infections and MS in adulthood.
- Other Contributors: Factors such as obesity, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to MS.
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis
Factors that may be involved in the development of MG include:
- Genetics: Studies show that 5% of patients have a relative with MG or another type of autoimmune disorder.
- Thymus Gland Abnormalities: Some patients with myasthenia gravis have an enlarged thymus gland.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests for both diseases are somewhat similar. However, healthcare providers may use specific tests to identify the differences between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis and rule out other diseases.
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
The first step toward diagnosing MS involves a thorough medical history review. Healthcare providers will then ask about your symptoms and assess your neurologic functions like balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes.
Diagnosing MS relies on ruling out other diseases. For that purpose, healthcare providers may order these tests:
- Blood Tests: A blood test can help dismiss the presence of other conditions such as HIV, syphilis, and Lyme disease.
- Lumbar Puncture: Special tests such as lumbar puncture may be used. This test involves removing cerebrospinal fluid from the patient’s spine and analyzing it for particular antibodies.
- MRI Scans: Imaging tests like MRI can look for signs of nerve demyelination or scarring associated with MS.
Diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis
Healthcare providers will start with a thorough medical history evaluation and symptoms assessment to diagnose MG. They will conduct neurological exams to assess muscle strength and eye movement.
Physicians sometimes misdiagnose MG with other diseases. However, since there is a difference between myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis, specialized tests such as the following become necessary:
- Tensilon Test: Healthcare providers can check for myasthenia gravis with a tensilon or edrophonium test. This test assesses temporary muscle improvements in patients.
- Blood Tests: A blood test will check for antibodies associated with MG.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans can detect tumors related to MG.
- Electrodiagnostic Testing: These tests can assess muscle fiber response and identify signs of muscle and nerve injuries.
Treatment
There are various treatment options for both disorders. Some may be more effective for MG, while others work better for MS. However, it’s important to note that there are no cures for MG or MS. Rather, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving muscle function.
Let’s look at different types of treatments for multiple sclerosis vs. myasthenia gravis.
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Medications
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are a class of medications that help patients manage flares and slow disease progression. DMTs work by regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Kesimpta is an FDA-approved solution for multiple sclerosis that belongs to this class.
Corticosteroids are another class of medications that can reduce inflammation. While they’re effective for both autoimmune conditions, there is a difference in their dosage between myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis.
Other medications that can improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Fingolimod (Gilenya)
- Siponimod (Mayzent)
- Natalizumab (Tysabri)
- Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
- Teriflunomide (Aubagio)
- Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
- Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
- Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif)
- Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Extavia)
Lifestyle Changes
Another way MS patients can manage their symptoms is by making simple lifestyle changes, such as:
- Exercising regularly
- Undergoing physiotherapy
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Getting enough quality sleep each night
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing
Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis
Medications
Patients can use immunosuppressants and corticosteroids to manage their immune response and reduce inflammation. They can also use cholinesterase inhibitors to improve communication between the nerves and muscles.
Plasmapheresis
Another treatment for MG is plasma exchange or plasmapheresis, which involves removing abnormal antibodies from the blood and replacing them with normal ones from healthy donated blood to reduce muscle weakness.
IVIG
Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is another therapy for myasthenia gravis. It uses antibodies donated from healthy donors to boost the immune system and reduce autoimmune attacks on neuromuscular junctions.
Thymectomy
The last treatment option for myasthenia gravis is thymectomy. This surgical procedure involves removing the thymus gland, which produces the harmful antibodies that attack the neuromuscular junction.
This treatment leads to sustained remission in about half of those who undergo it.
Outlook
There is a difference in disease progression and outlook between myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis patients. Let’s explore them below.
Outlook for MS Patients
The outlook can vary for those living with multiple sclerosis. Symptoms may fluctuate over time, and relapses may occur years apart.
With the disease progressing, the time between relapses will shorten, and patients will experience more functional difficulties. However, with early diagnosis and proper management, those with MS can lead fulfilling lives.
Outlook for MG Patients
Myasthenia gravis life expectancy and disease course can improve with appropriate treatment. In most patients, symptoms reach their peak severity 1-3 years from diagnosis.
Some may experience more severe symptoms and require ongoing therapy. However, most people can live active lives during treatment and go into remission after procedures such as thymectomy.
Receive Specialty Treatments for MS and MG At Home from AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy
MS and MG are both autoimmune disorders that can lead to various neurological complications. While they are similar in many ways, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are more widespread and impactful on daily activities.
By knowing the differences between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, you can handle your condition better and receive the appropriate treatment. If you need specialty treatment for your autoimmune disorder, AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy can help.
Our URAC and ACHC-accredited specialty pharmacy provides at-home IVIG therapy and hard-to-find medications for individuals with complex conditions. We operate in over 40 US states and territories and can send our trained infusion nurses to your home for convenient treatments.
Contact us now to receive specialty care at home and manage your condition with full-service coordination, 24/7/365 support, and copay assistance.
