Bulbar symptoms in myasthenia gravis refer to muscle weakness affecting the head, neck, and jaw. About 15% of people with MG experience these symptoms early on, and they can vary widely from person to person.
Common bulbar symptoms include
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
- Choking on food or liquids
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Bulbar symptoms in myasthenia gravis refer to muscle weakness affecting the head, neck, and jaw. About 15% of people with MG experience these symptoms early on, and they can vary widely from person to person.
Common bulbar symptoms include:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
- Choking on food or liquids
- Hoarse, nasal, or slurred speech (dysarthria/dysphonia)
- Difficulty making facial expressions
- Trouble holding your head up
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches caused by neck muscle strain People who test positive for MuSK antibodies are at higher risk of bulbar symptoms. Those diagnosed with MG later in life are also more likely to experience them.
New or worsening bulbar symptoms can signal disease progression or new muscle groups becoming involved. It's important to let your neurologist know right away, as treatment adjustments may be needed. One MGteam member shared: "Still recovering from my flare-up. Today I have weak neck muscles and a bad headache." — this reflects how bulbar symptoms can cluster together and feel overwhelming.
Triggers like stress or illness can cause bulbar symptoms to flare even if they aren't present day-to-day. Tracking your symptoms carefully helps your care team respond quickly when things change.
August 11
Thank you. I began in 2018 with ocular mg. This year in March I had difficulty swallowing and speech difficulties. My neurologist advised steroid treatment and this has helped. I now have no problems with swallowing or speech.
August 11
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