Myasthenia Gravis is an immune system disorder which means, “grave muscle weakness” in Latin. The disease causes certain voluntary muscles to weaken and become fatigued. The muscles of the eyes, face, arms, legs, neck, and throat are commonly affected. As the muscles affected by myasthenia gravis are used, the weakness can worsen. Therefore, rest is a key component of myasthenia gravis treatment. This condition is progressive and can minimize the life expectancy of its victims. Effects of this disease include:

• Dropping eyelids
• Weakness in the arms, legs, hands, fingers or neck
• Speech problems
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or breathing
• Double vision/blurred vision
• Lack of facial expression
• Unsteady or abnormal walking
• Inability to breath

People with myasthenia gravis have a dysfunctional relationship between certain nerves and muscles. The disorder occurs when a patient’s immune system attacks neurotransmitter receptor sites in the muscle tissue. Contributing factors that may make individuals more susceptible to myasthenia gravis include disease or illness, stress, certain medications, extreme heat, and fatigue

Myasthenia Gravis Treatments

There are a variety of medicines that can improve nerve-muscle communication and prevent attacks of the immune system. A procedure called plasmapheresis can be used to remove the blocking antibodies. Intravenous immune globulin therapy introduces normal antibodies in the immune system to help it normalize. Surgery to remove the thymus gland (located under the breastbone) is recommended for patients with thymus tumors or severe symptoms.

To learn more about myasthenia gravis, please visit the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.

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