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Myasthenia gravis
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Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles.
What causes myasthenia gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is not inherited and it is not contagious. It generally develops later in life when antibodies in the body attack normal receptors on muscle. This blocks a chemical needed to stimulate muscle contraction.
A temporary form of myasthenia gravis may develop in the fetus when a woman with myasthenia gravis passes the antibodies to the fetus. Generally, it resolves in 2 to 3 months.
What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?
These are the most common symptoms of myasthenia gravis:
•Visual problems, including drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia)
•Muscle weakness and fatigue may vary rapidly in intensity over days or even hours and worsen as muscles are used (early fatigue)
•Facial muscle involvement causing a mask-like appearance; a smile may appear more like a snarl
•Trouble swallowing or pronouncing words
•Weakness of the neck or limbs
•The symptoms of myasthenia gravis may look like other conditions. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.
•Flare-ups and remissions (easing of symptoms) may occur now and then during the course of myasthenia gravis. Remissions, however, are only rarely permanent or complete.
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