• Review of Your Medical History
Before conducting any kind of specialized test, your doctor will interview you and review your medical history for any specific pattern that may indicate myasthenia gravis. Afterward, they will conduct simple physical tests to examine your balance, coordination, muscle strength and reflexes.
• Edrophonium Test
If muscle weakness is confirmed, your doctor will administer an edrophonium test, also known as a Tensilon test. You will be injected with edrophonium chloride to temporarily regain muscle control by blocking antibodies that disrupt your neurotransmitters. If the test shows positive results, it can indicate myasthenia gravis.7
• Electromyogram Tests
Electromyogram (EMG) tests examine for functionality and any possible damage in your nervous system. Electrodes will be placed at the site of muscle weakness, and electrical impulses will be sent through them to the affected muscles. If the muscles do not respond well to the stimulation, you may likely have myasthenia gravis.
• Blood Tests
There are several blood tests available to help confirm myasthenia gravis. The acetylcholine receptor antibody test, for example, looks for the presence of acetylcholine. An abnormal amount of this antibody is found in approximately 85 percent of people with myasthenia gravis.8
You can visit the Tests for Myasthenia Gravis for more diagnostic methods and their in-depth explanations.