Overview
Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness, typically beginning before the age of 18. It is sometimes called early-onset myasthenia gravis or childhood myasthenia gravis. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, specifically targeting proteins at the neuromuscular junction — most commonly the acetylcholine receptor. This disrupts the normal signals that tell muscles to contract, leading to weakness that tends to get worse with activity and improve with rest. The most common early symptoms include drooping eyelids (ptosis), double vision, and difficulty with eye movements. As the disease progresses, some children develop more widespread weakness affecting the arms, legs, face, and muscles used for chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Symptoms can fluctuate from day to day and may worsen during illness, stress, or physical exertion. Treatment for juvenile myasthenia gravis has improved significantly over the years. Most children respond well to medications that either improve nerve-to-muscle signaling or suppress the overactive immune system. Common treatments include pyridostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor), corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive drugs. In some cases, thymectomy — surgical removal of the thymus gland — can lead to significant improvement or even remission. With proper treatment, many children with JMG can lead active, fulfilling lives, though ongoing medical management is usually necessary.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Drooping eyelids (one or both eyes)Double visionDifficulty moving the eyes normallyMuscle weakness that worsens with activityDifficulty chewing or swallowingSlurred or nasal-sounding speechWeakness in arms and legsDifficulty holding up the headFatigue that gets worse throughout the dayShortness of breath or difficulty breathingWeak facial expressionsDifficulty smiling or closing the eyes tightlyChoking or gagging when eating
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
1 availableProtopam Chloride
In the control of overdosage by anticholinesterase drugs used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Juvenile myasthenia gravis at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Juvenile myasthenia gravis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Juvenile myasthenia gravis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Juvenile myasthenia gravis
No recent news articles for Juvenile myasthenia gravis.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's myasthenia gravis limited to the eyes, or is it generalized?,What antibody tests were done, and what do the results mean for treatment?,Should my child be considered for thymectomy, and what are the risks and benefits?,What medications should my child avoid because they could worsen myasthenia gravis?,What should I do if my child has sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing?,How will this condition affect my child's ability to attend school and participate in activities?,What is the chance that my child could go into remission over time?
Common questions about Juvenile myasthenia gravis
What is Juvenile myasthenia gravis?
Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness, typically beginning before the age of 18. It is sometimes called early-onset myasthenia gravis or childhood myasthenia gravis. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, specifically targeting proteins at the neuromuscular junction — most commonly the acetylcholine receptor. This disrupts the normal signals that tell muscles to contract, leading to weakness that tends to get worse with activity and improve with rest. The most common early
How is Juvenile myasthenia gravis inherited?
Juvenile myasthenia gravis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Juvenile myasthenia gravis?
25 specialists and care centers treating Juvenile myasthenia gravis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Juvenile myasthenia gravis?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Juvenile myasthenia gravis. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.