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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMyasthenia gravis (mi-uhs-THEE-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.
References
- Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Howard J.F. Myasthenia gravis — A summary. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation. http://www.myasthenia.org/hp_clinicaloverview.cfm. Accessed July 9, 2010.
- Bird SJ. Clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 7, 2010.
- Bird SJ. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 7, 2010.
- Bird SJ. Treatment of myasthenia gravis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 7, 2010.
- Facts about plasmapheresis. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mdausa.org/publications/fa-plasmaph.html. Accessed July 9, 2010.
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