Expert care: At Children’s Wisconsin Neurosciences Center, we provide comprehensive, family-centered care for children with myasthenia gravis (MG). As the largest and most advanced pediatric neurosciences program in the state, we bring together a team of experts dedicated to supporting your child’s health, development, and quality of life.

Specialized expertise in myasthenia gravis: Our program includes neuromuscular specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating all forms of MG — including autoimmune, congenital, and transient neonatal MG. We create personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs, combining the latest therapies with supportive care to help your child stay as active and independent as possible.

Access to advanced therapies: Children’s Wisconsin offers the full range of MG treatments, including:

• Medication management: To improve nerve-to-muscle communication and reduce immune system attacks
• Infusion therapies: Such as IVIG and plasmapheresis for more severe or rapidly progressing symptoms
• Thymectomy surgery: Performed by our highly skilled pediatric general and cardiothoracic surgeons, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible
• Rehabilitation services: Including physical and occupational therapy to help improve strength and function

Multidisciplinary care team: MG can affect many aspects of a child’s health. Our coordinated care team includes neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and surgeons who work together to provide seamless, comprehensive care for your child and family.

Nationally recognized care: Our Neurosciences Center is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Families trust Children’s Wisconsin for innovative treatments, compassionate care, and a commitment to advancing care for children with neuromuscular conditions.

What to expect: At the Children’s Wisconsin Neurosciences Center, we know that receiving a possible diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to guide your family through each step with compassion, expertise, and clear communication.

The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made after the sudden or gradual onset of specific symptoms and after diagnostic testing. During the physical examination, the physician obtains a complete medical history of your child. They may also ask if there is a family history of any medical problems.

Diagnosis of MG is usually confirmed with a Tensilon test. With this test, a small amount of medicine (Tensilon) is injected into the child. If the child has MG, an immediate, but brief, increase in muscle tone is noted.

Other diagnostic tests that may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis include:

• Blood tests
• Genetic tests that evaluate for conditions that have a tendency to run in families.
• Electromyogram (EMG), a test that measures the electrical activity of a muscle or a group of muscles. An EMG can detect abnormal electrical muscle activity due to diseases and neuromuscular conditions.
• Muscle biopsy that takes a small sample of the muscle to determine and confirm a diagnosis or condition.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

If MG is confirmed, your child’s care team will meet with you to discuss personalized treatment options, which may include medications, infusion therapies, or surgery when appropriate. Our multidisciplinary team will work closely with your family to create a plan focused on improving muscle strength, preventing complications, and supporting your child’s overall well-being.