can you be tested for myasthenia gravis? (if you have Bell's palsy you likely should test to make sure it isn't myasthenia gravis

Why? Because if it is more than Bell's palsy the sooner you know the better. Why?

Because one of the symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis is stopping breathing while you are asleep.

So, if you don't diagnose the problem soon enough you could just stop breathing at night while you are sleeping (of course you can make yourself breathe if you are awake too. But, asleep you might die without something like Mestinon to prevent your death if you have myasthenia gravis. 

begin quotes from AI Overview

 

Doctors diagnose myasthenia gravis (MG) using a physical and neurological exam, specific blood tests, and electrical nerve or muscle tests. 

Key Diagnostic Tests

Blood Antibody Tests: Look for abnormal antibodies—such as anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-MuSK—that block nerve signals to muscles. 
Repetitive Nerve Stimulation (RNS): Sends small electrical pulses to see if your nerve-to-muscle signals weaken with fatigue. 
Single-Fiber Electromyography (EMG): Inserts a tiny wire electrode into a muscle to measure single-fiber electrical activity; it is the most sensitive test for MG. 
Ice Pack Test: Places an ice pack on a droopy eyelid for a few minutes to see if cold improves the drooping temporarily. 
Chest Imaging (CT or MRI): Scans your chest to check your thymus gland for abnormalities or tumors (thymoma). 

You can read more detailed diagnostic overviews from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 

If you'd like more information, tell me:

• What symptoms you or someone else are experiencing
• Which doctor or specialist you are currently seeing

I can help you prepare for your next medical appointment.

• 

  Mayo Clinic

  Myasthenia gravis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

  Diagnosis * Neurological exam. During a neurological exam, your health professional may test: ... * Ice pack test. If you have a d...
• 

  MedlinePlus (.gov)

  Myasthenia Gravis Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test

  Other types of MG tests include: * **Neurological exam** * **Ice pack test** * **Electromyography (EMG)** * **Nerve conduction stu...

  
• 

  nhs.uk

  Myasthenia gravis - Diagnosis - NHS

  * Blood test. The main test for myasthenia gravis is a blood test to look for a type of antibody (produced by the immune system) t...

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This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

Myasthenia gravis - Diagnosis and treatment

Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org › drc-20352040

Jun 5, 2026 — During a neurological exam, your health professional may test: Reflexes. Muscle strength. There are several other tests your care team may use ...

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Myasthenia Gravis Tests

MedlinePlus (.gov)

https://medlineplus.gov › Medical Tests

Oct 20, 2024 — You may need to be tested if you have symptoms of MG. Your symptoms will depend on which muscles are affected. The symptoms often include: ... MG ...

Diagnosis - - - Myasthenia gravis

nhs.uk

https://www.nhs.uk › ... › Myasthenia gravis

Read about the tests you may have to help diagnose myasthenia gravis, including blood tests, nerve tests and CT or MRI scans.