Myasthenia gravis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Complications

Preparing for your appointment Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Myasthenia gravis (mi-uhs-THE-ne-uh GRA-vis) is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. The cause of myasthenia gravis is a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles.

There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms — such as weakness of arm or leg muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.

While myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, it's more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60. The disorder occurs in one or two people per 10,000.

NEXT:

Symptoms