How likely would it be to have Myasthenia Gravis with Pernicious Anemia?

I am currently being seen by a number of doctors for the following symptoms.  Orophyarngeal Dysphagia, Muscle Spasms and spasticity in my legs. Right Hand Essential Tremor, Cognitive problems, recalling words and not remembering taking medicines, appts, names, etc. and lastly  foot drop on my right foot.  I also have overwhelming fatigue and sometimes my legs buckle and I have fallen.  Really quite a few times.

I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia several years ago and I take injections of B12 every 2 weeks.   Another twist to this is that ALS runs in my family on my mothers side.  She was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy about a year and a half ago.  So I have had a difficult time trying to find out what is going on with me.

The reason I am asking about Myasthenia Gravis is that another doctor (my previous primary care physician) had told me that it could be a high risk for me later in life.  How likely is it that I could have Myasthenia Gravis or are these symptoms of ALS?

Thank you for your time in reading information and addressing my question.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  Pernicious anemia and myasthenia gravis are both auto-immune disorders and the presence of one condition may indeed make you at risk for developing the other.  These autoimmune conditions occur when your body recognizes some parts of your system as "foreign" and launches an immune attack.  For myasthenia, this foreign body detected are the muscle receptors, while in pernicious anemia, it is that gastric cells.  It is very hard to determine if this is really MG or ALS without formal testing.  I suggest you continue with your work up tests under the guidance of your doctor or your neurologist.

Regards and God bless.