MG flares (also called exacerbations) are periods when muscle weakness gets noticeably worse. They can affect different parts of the body, including:
- Eyes — double vision or drooping eyelids
- Arms and legs — increased weakness
- Neck muscles — difficulty holding your head up
- Breathing muscles — shortness of breath Show Full Answer
MG flares (also called exacerbations) are periods when muscle weakness gets noticeably worse. They can affect different parts of the body, including:
- Eyes — double vision or drooping eyelids
- Arms and legs — increased weakness
- Neck muscles — difficulty holding your head up
- Breathing muscles — shortness of breath, which in severe cases can lead to a myasthenic crisis requiring urgent care Yes, flares can still happen even while on treatment. MG symptoms can fluctuate — improving for a while, then worsening again. Common triggers include stress, heat, cold, illness, and fatigue.
As one MGteam member put it, "When I think things might be slowing down symptom-wise, bam! It's back again at full strength. I really believe stress, heat, cold and sickness aggravate MG!" Some people are more prone to frequent flares, particularly those who:
- Were older at diagnosis
- Have had MG for a longer time
- Have more severe MG
- Test positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies
- Haven't had thymectomy surgery or immunotherapy
Tracking your symptoms and knowing your personal triggers can really help. Keeping your healthcare team informed of any changes — even small ones — is key to staying ahead of flares.
August 26
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