MuSK Antibody is a blood test that detects antibodies against muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), a protein involved in communication between nerves and muscles. The test is primarily used to support the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, particularly in individuals with symptoms such as muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or speech problems when standard acetylcholine receptor antibody testing is negative.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that causes fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscles, often affecting the eyes, face, speech, swallowing, and limbs.
A positive result strongly supports autoimmune myasthenia gravis in the appropriate clinical setting. The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms and neurological examination.
A negative result does not completely rule out myasthenia gravis. Other antibody tests and neurological investigations may be considered when symptoms remain suggestive.
No. They detect antibodies against different proteins involved in nerve-muscle communication. Both tests may be used when evaluating suspected autoimmune myasthenia gravis.
Certainly. In some individuals, respiratory muscles can become weak. Significant or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty requires urgent medical assessment.