There are a number of different types of diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose MG. This includes clinical examination, blood tests, and nerve stimulation tests.
Starting with Simple Checks
When doctors suspect someone might have MG, they start with a full physical examination.
They could ask patients to do specific tasks, like looking upwards for a while. If MG is present, the eyelids might start to droop after some time.
Doctors also test muscles by asking patients to use them a lot, then rest. They want to see if resting helps the muscles recover - which is common in MG.
Deep Dive: Special Tests for MG
Blood Tests:
Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody testing: This test looks for special things in the blood called antibodies. These antibodies can show if someone has MG. In fact, about 85% of people with MG have these specific antibodies in their blood
Anti-MuSK antibody testing: This is another blood test, but it's for patients who didn't have the antibodies from the first test. About 6% of MG patients who don't have the AChR antibodies might have these Anti-MuSK antibodies instead.
Ice Pack tests: In this test, doctors use cold packs on muscles to see how they react. If muscles improve with cold, it might hint at MG.
Edrophonium test: This involves a drug called edrophonium. This drug can temporarily make muscle symptoms better in people with MG, helping doctors see if the condition is present.
Electromyography (EMG): This test checks how muscles respond to electrical signals. Doctors give small electrical shocks to muscles and see how they react. If they react in a certain way, it might be because of MG.
Single-fiber EMG: This is a more detailed muscle test. A doctor uses a very tiny needle to see how individual muscle fibers are working. If they aren't working right, it could be a sign of MG.
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Disclaimer
Content has been taken from MGFA, adapted and clinically reviewed for accuracy.