Person with Myasthenia Gravis supported by a butterfly in Brazil

Living Well with Myasthenia Gravis: A Guide to Quality of Life

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn how a new quality of life questionnaire is helping Brazilian patients manage Myasthenia Gravis and improve their well-being."

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, leading to fatigue and muscle weakness that fluctuates. The impact of MG varies significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as sex, age, and ethnic background. With an incidence ranging from 1 to 15 cases per million, MG presents unique challenges that can greatly affect daily life.

Recognizing and addressing the effects on quality of life is crucial in managing MG. As treatments advance, understanding how patients perceive their well-being helps tailor support to their specific needs. This insight not only aids in therapeutic decisions but also enhances the overall care and support provided.

To better support patients, researchers have focused on tools that accurately measure quality of life. One such tool, the 'Questionnaire of Life Quality Specific for Myasthenia Gravis - 15 items' (MG-QOL15), has been adapted and validated for use in Brazil, promising improved assessment and care for Brazilian MG patients. This article explores this adaptation and what it means for those living with MG.

Understanding MG-QOL15: How It Measures Quality of Life

Person with Myasthenia Gravis supported by a butterfly in Brazil

The MG-QOL15 is designed to quickly and effectively evaluate the quality of life for individuals with Myasthenia Gravis. Derived from a list of 60 items, the questionnaire focuses on the most relevant aspects affecting MG patients. Each of the 15 items is scored from zero to four, with a maximum total score of 60. Higher scores indicate a poorer quality of life, reflecting greater challenges and difficulties experienced by the patient.

Adapting the MG-QOL15 for different cultures ensures its relevance and accuracy across diverse populations. The process involves several key steps to maintain the integrity and meaning of the original questionnaire. The process ensures that the translated version captures the same concepts as the original, making it a reliable tool for assessing quality of life in different cultural contexts.

Translation: The original English version is translated into the target language by two independent translators.
Revision: A third reviewer reconciles the two translations into a single version.
Back-Translation: The revised version is translated back into English by a translator who has no knowledge of the original questionnaire.
Comparison: The back-translated version is compared to the original English version to identify any discrepancies.
Finalization: All discrepancies are resolved, and the final translated version is produced.

In Brazil, researchers translated the MG-QOL15 into Portuguese, following the rigorous adaptation process. They then tested the questionnaire with ten patients to identify any difficulties in understanding. This step ensured that the final version was clear and relevant for Brazilian patients.

The Impact of MG-QOL15 on Brazilian Patients

The adapted MG-QOL15 offers a promising tool for assessing and improving the quality of life for Brazilian patients with Myasthenia Gravis. By providing a clear, culturally relevant measure, healthcare providers can better understand the specific challenges faced by their patients. Further studies are encouraged to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing quality of life in MG.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and how does it affect a person's life?

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction. This disruption leads to fluctuating fatigue and muscle weakness, which can vary significantly among individuals. The impact of MG can be substantial, potentially affecting daily activities and overall well-being. This is why tools like the MG-QOL15 are essential to understand and address the quality of life challenges that MG patients face.

How does the MG-QOL15 questionnaire work, and what does it measure?

The MG-QOL15 is designed to swiftly assess the quality of life for individuals with Myasthenia Gravis. This questionnaire, derived from a list of 60 items, focuses on the most relevant aspects affecting MG patients. The 15 items are scored from zero to four, with a maximum total score of 60. Higher scores indicate a poorer quality of life, reflecting greater challenges and difficulties experienced by the patient. This tool helps healthcare providers understand the specific challenges faced by their patients and tailor support.

Why was the MG-QOL15 adapted for use in Brazil?

Adapting the MG-QOL15 for different cultures ensures its relevance and accuracy across diverse populations. In Brazil, the adaptation involved translating the original English version into Portuguese, followed by a rigorous process to ensure the translated version captured the same concepts as the original. This process includes translation, revision, back-translation, comparison, and finalization. This adaptation helps healthcare providers in Brazil better understand and support their patients with Myasthenia Gravis by using a culturally relevant tool.

Can you explain the steps involved in adapting the MG-QOL15 for Brazilian patients?

The adaptation process for the MG-QOL15 involved several key steps. First, the original English version was translated into Portuguese by two independent translators. A third reviewer then reconciled the two translations into a single version. This revised version was back-translated into English by a translator unfamiliar with the original questionnaire. The back-translated version was then compared to the original English version to identify any discrepancies. Finally, all discrepancies were resolved, and the final translated version was produced. The questionnaire was then tested with ten patients to ensure clarity and relevance for Brazilian patients.

What is the impact of the adapted MG-QOL15 on Brazilian patients with Myasthenia Gravis?

The adapted MG-QOL15 offers a promising tool for assessing and improving the quality of life for Brazilian patients with Myasthenia Gravis. By providing a clear, culturally relevant measure, healthcare providers can better understand the specific challenges faced by their patients. This insight is crucial for tailoring treatments and support to individual needs, ultimately enhancing the overall care and support provided. Further studies are encouraged to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing quality of life in MG.