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My leg and arm weakness is so profound at times, it's downright scary. Does anyone else experience this? I need your advice!!

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Clarkdale, AZ

I've been told I only have oMG. I have all the symptoms of gMG, but my neuro said, "No, you don't have MG, but FND." I disagree. I know my own body and there is something going on with me neurologically speaking. I've been having horrific leg cramping at night down the outside of my legs. I was advised to take one Magnesium Glycinate 400 mg each night. They have almost completely stopped the leg cramps! What a relief
But.......but now I am so weak and wobbly in the AM that I can just… read more

September 1
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a post about profound leg and arm weakness, sharing personal experiences with similar symptoms and offering practical... Read more

Members rallied around a post about profound leg and arm weakness, sharing personal experiences with similar symptoms and offering practical suggestions for managing them. Several members recommended electrolyte supplements, pickle juice, and tonic water as alternatives to magnesium for leg cramps, while others emphasized the importance of physical therapy and water exercises for building stability. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy, seeking second opinions, listening to your body, and using mobility aids like canes to stay safe during weak spells.

MGteam

What a frustrating and exhausting situation to be navigating — especially without proper support from a neurologist. You are absolutely right to trust your body, and your concerns deserve to be taken seriously.

To answer your most pressing question: yes, magnesium can worsen muscle weakness in people with MG. This is a Show Full Answer

What a frustrating and exhausting situation to be navigating — especially without proper support from a neurologist. You are absolutely right to trust your body, and your concerns deserve to be taken seriously.

To answer your most pressing question: yes, magnesium can worsen muscle weakness in people with MG. This is a well-documented concern. Magnesium interferes with the communication between nerves and muscles, which is already compromised in MG. This can make existing weakness significantly worse.

The risk is especially high with:
- Intravenous magnesium (given directly into the bloodstream)
- High oral doses taken regularly
- Any form of magnesium if you are sensitive to it

Even oral magnesium at 400mg nightly could be enough to tip the balance for someone with MG-related neuromuscular vulnerability. The situation you're describing — profound morning weakness, stiffness, near-falls, and inability to grip — is serious and should not be managed alone. Please do not simply stop or continue the magnesium without medical guidance, as both options carry real risks.

Here are some strongly recommended steps:

- Seek a second neurological opinion — ideally from a neuromuscular specialist or an MG specialist at an academic medical center
- Do not self-discontinue magnesium abruptly without speaking to a doctor first, even if you suspect it's the cause
- Document everything — keep a symptom log noting weakness levels, timing, and magnesium doses to share with your next provider
- Carry or wear a medical alert card noting your MG diagnosis, as magnesium interactions can be dangerous in emergency settings

Other MGteam members have also described sudden, frightening weakness in their arms and legs — one described neck weakness so bad it felt like having a "bobblehead." You are far from alone in this experience.

Getting a specialist who truly listens is the most important next step here. You deserve proper care. 💙

September 1
A MGteam Member

Half good week, but now having double vision every day but at inconsistent times. Just heard from neurologist and am back on pyridostigmine (mestinon generic) as needed for the vision. Was glad she did not up my prednisone. Wait and see.

September 3
A MGteam Member

Hi, I have all the same similar symptoms it's hard to keep up your daily routine i see my consultants on Sunday so I will let you know what he does about my condition I have omg has well 🙏🙏 for you xx

September 1
A MGteam Member

Diane,
Of course you are right. We can learn so much from one another.
One more thing: Please be careful especially when you feel weak. Use a cane for stability if you need one. I have fallen dozens of times and don’t want to fall even one more time. The distorted vision plus weakness throws my balance off and down I go. Physical therapy and extra caution are helping.

4 days ago
A MGteam Member

Sometimes I push myself bc I don’t want MG to define me but today I listened to my body.

5 days ago

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