Myasthenia gravis

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Definition

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic disorder 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.

The disorder affects only the function of your muscles, and the muscle weakness you experience improves when you rest. Myasthenia gravis may cause double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing, as well as weakness of your limbs.

Myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, but it's more common in women younger than 40 or older than 70, and in men older than 50. There's no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatments are available to help control the signs and symptoms of the condition.

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Symptoms