STRENGTHENING the global effort to CURE neuromuscular disease

For Andriana “Andi” Tompary, DO, the world of neuromuscular (NM) medicine is more than just a professional calling—it’s personal. As a physiatrist specializing in NM disorders, she not only treats patients with conditions like myasthenia gravis (MG) but also lives with MG herself. Her journey from patient to physician is one of resilience, advocacy, and a deep, personal understanding of the challenges faced by those with NM diseases.

Growing up in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Dr. Tompary was active and deeply involved in gymnastics and horseback riding. But at 16, she began noticing unusual symptoms—her left eyelid drooped, her vision doubled, and her strength faded. After years of participating in physical activities, she suddenly struggled to lift her schoolbooks or perform basic fitness tests. Assuming it was the result of an accidental fall from a horse, she and her family sought medical treatment.

After nearly 8 months without a diagnosis, her mother, a pharmacist with a strong medical background, advocated relentlessly for answers until she was referred to David Randall, DO, a neurology specialist. Through electrodiagnostic and antibody testing, they finally had answers. Dr. Tompary had myasthenia gravis (MG)—an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing weakness and fatigue.

As a teenager, Dr. Tompary grappled with the reality of her diagnosis. “I thought I was invincible,” she admits. “I just wanted to get back to normal—back to school, sports, and hanging out with my friends.” But MG wasn’t like a broken bone that could heal. She describes her MG symptoms as a “battery draining faster than it should”—her muscles work, but fatigue sets in quickly. It would require lifelong management, careful monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Randall, however, approached her diagnosis with optimism. He assured her that with the right treatment—including medication and a thymectomy—she could still live a fulfilling life. More importantly, he taught her how to take control of her health rather than letting MG define her. 

Though MG forced her to step back from competitive sports, Dr. Tompary refused to let it take over her life. Over time, she learned how to manage her symptoms, recognize early warning signs, prioritize sleep, manage stress, and maintain an active lifestyle. Today, she still plays ultimate frisbee—something she never thought possible when first diagnosed. “My MG symptoms flare up before I even develop a cold,” she says. “It’s almost like a mini superpower that tells me when to slow down and care for myself.”

Dr. Tompary’s experience as a patient fueled her passion for medicine. Studying NM diseases while living with one herself gave her a unique perspective—one that continues to shape her approach as a physician. Not only did she have background knowledge of the NM junction from her personal experience, but she was also able to learn how to apply her knowledge of the condition from a medical perspective to care for herself and others. 

She understands the frustration of diagnostic delays, the uncertainty of flare-ups, and the mental resilience required to live with a chronic illness. “In medical school and residency, I saw patients [with MG] who were far more affected than me. It put things into perspective,” she says. She realized how fortunate she had been and how much more work needed to be done in research and patient care. “My experience as both a patient and a physician has reinforced the need for continued research, better access to care, and more awareness about neuromuscular diseases,” she says.