Myasthenia Gravis ADL (MG-ADL) Calculator
Use this tool to calculate a total MG-ADL score (0-24) based on 8 symptom areas. Each item is scored from 0 (normal) to 3 (most severe).
What is the MG-ADL score?
The MG-ADL (Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living) score is a quick, patient-centered symptom scale used to measure how myasthenia gravis affects day-to-day function. It focuses on practical areas like speaking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, and muscle-related activities such as rising from a chair.
Because the questionnaire is short and repeatable, it is commonly used in clinical visits, treatment monitoring, and research studies. The total score ranges from 0 to 24, where higher scores suggest greater symptom burden.
How this MG ADL score calculator works
Scoring structure
Each of the 8 domains is scored from 0 to 3:
- 0 = no or normal impact
- 1 = mild impact
- 2 = moderate impact
- 3 = severe impact
The calculator adds all domain scores and returns your total.
Included symptom domains
- Talking
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Breathing
- Brushing teeth/Combing hair
- Arising from a chair
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Eyelid droop (ptosis)
How to interpret your total score
There is no single universal cutoff for every clinical scenario, but many clinicians use practical ranges like the following:
- 0: no reported functional impact
- 1-4: mild symptom impact
- 5-9: moderate symptom impact
- 10-24: high symptom burden
These ranges are useful for trend tracking, not for self-diagnosis. The most valuable signal is often the direction of change over time.
Tracking progress over time
Why repeated scoring helps
A single score is a snapshot. Repeated scores (for example, weekly or at each appointment) can show whether symptoms are improving, stable, or worsening after treatment changes, infections, stress, sleep issues, or medication timing adjustments.
Clinically meaningful change
In many contexts, a 2-point change in MG-ADL is considered meaningful. This calculator includes an optional baseline field so you can quickly compare your new score against a previous total.
Best practices for accurate scoring
- Complete scoring at roughly the same time of day.
- Use your recent typical symptoms rather than a single unusual moment.
- Be consistent in how you interpret each domain from one check-in to the next.
- Record context (sleep, illness, medication timing, stress) alongside each score.
- Share score trends with your neurologist or MG care team.
When to seek urgent medical care
If you have rapidly worsening symptoms, severe trouble breathing, inability to swallow safely, or signs of respiratory distress, seek emergency care immediately. A calculator is helpful for tracking but cannot replace medical judgment in urgent situations.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator a diagnosis tool?
No. It is a symptom impact tracker. Diagnosis and treatment decisions require full evaluation by qualified clinicians.
Can I use this tool between appointments?
Yes. Many people use MG-ADL tracking between visits and bring trend data to appointments. This can help conversations about treatment response and function.
Does a higher score always mean an emergency?
Not always. A higher score means greater symptom burden, but urgency depends on which symptoms changed and how quickly. Breathing and swallowing changes should always be taken seriously.
Disclaimer: This page is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional for personal medical guidance.