Myasthenia Gravis is a disease causing progressive fatigue and weakness of the skeletal muscles, especially those of the face, neck, arms, and legs. It is caused by an impaired transmission of nerve impulses. This impairment is due to an immune system attack on nerve receptors.

Myasthenia Gravis produces weakness in the muscles. The muscles also easily tire with work. The symptoms are sporadic but get worse over time. The symptoms get worse with exercise or repeated movements. The muscles of the head, face and throat are most often involved, it can affect any muscle group. The disease follows an unpredictable course of getting worse or ceasing for a while. Drug therapy has improved the lives of persons with this.

The disease first appears most commonly between ages 20 and 40. It is three times more common in women overall. After age 40 it is equally common in both sexes. About one quarter of patients have long periods without symptoms.

The onset may be sudden or slow. People often first notice that their muscles tire more quickly. They may have drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble chewing or swallowing, and a weak voice. Usually the affected muscles are strongest in the morning but weaken during the day. Short rest periods help. As time goes on, more and more muscles become weak. Some may lose function entirely. The symptoms tend to get worse during a woman's period, emotional stress, prolonged exposure to sunlight or cold, or infections. If lung muscles are weakened, breathing may be difficult.

Proof that a person has the disease is a rapid improvement within seconds of a specific drug injection. Special electrical studies of the muscles may also be used for diagnosis. Therapy with drugs will counteract symptoms, but they often lose their benefits over time. Some people develop tumors in the thymus gland. Removal of the thymus may help the disease.

An important part of treatment is teaching the person how to cope. This includes being alert for an approaching crisis, careful timing of drugs, and making the most of energy peaks.

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