Myasthenia gravis


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Myasthenia gravis (my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis) is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control.

Myasthenia gravis is caused by 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.

Though myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, it's more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60.

Symptoms
References
  1. Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  2. Myasthenia gravis. Office of Women's Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/myasthenia-gravis.cfm. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  3. Bird SJ. Clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  4. Allan W. Pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
  5. Bird SJ. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  6. Rubin DI. Neurologic manifestations of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
  7. Rubin DI. Neurologic manifestations of hypothyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
  8. Bird SJ. Treatment of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  9. Bodamer OA, et al. Neuromuscular junction disorders in newborns and infants. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 7, 2013.
  10. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2013.
  11. Bird SJ. Chronic immunomodulating therapies for myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 7, 2013.
  12. Bird SJ. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 5, 2013.
  13. Limmer KK, et al. Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thymus reduction. Thoracic Surgery Clinics. 2011;21:69.
  14. Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Myasthenia gravis: A guide for patients. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2003.
  15. How can I provide emotional support for a relative who has MG? Myasthenia Gravis Association of America. http://www.myasthenia.org/LivingwithMG/InformationalMaterials.aspx. Accessed Feb. 7, 2013.
  16. U.S. News best hospitals 2012-2013. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. Accessed Jan. 25, 2013.
  17. Crum BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2013.
DS00375 April 23, 2013

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