Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a disease that causes your muscles to tire easily and become weak. This condition affects the nerves that stimulate muscles to contract, with the muscles around the eyes being affected first. Myasthenia is not an inherited or contagious condition, but it commonly affects women under the age of 40 and men over age 60.
Part 1: What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Every muscle receives nerve supply from nerves that split into smaller nerve fibers. These spread along the muscle, where a tiny gap called neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is found between the end of each nerve fiber and the muscle surface. As the brain sends messages to the muscles through the nerves, a chemical (neurotransmitter) called acetylcholine is released into the NMJ. The acetylcholine molecules
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Part 3: What Are the Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis? Myasthenia gravis affects voluntary muscles, and the muscles that control eyelid movement, swallowing, and facial expression are most frequently affected. The onset of symptoms may be sudden and may not be immediately recognized as myasthenia.
The first symptom is often weakness of the eye muscles, which may vary greatly among individuals. Symptoms may range from a localized, limited form (ocular myasthenia), which affects the eye muscles, to a generalized, severe form, which affects many muscles, including those involved in breathing. Eye symptoms may manifest as drooping of the eyelids, blurred vision, or double vision. Other symptoms of myasthenia gravis include waddling or unstable gait, changes in facial expression, difficulty swallowing, impaired speech, shortness of breath, and weakness of the arms, hands, legs, and neck.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty