Overview

Myasthenia gravis is a long-term autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes voluntary muscles to weaken. This happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the neuromuscular junction, the point where nerves and muscles communicate. People of any age can develop myasthenia gravis, but younger women and older men are more likely to do so. The condition primarily affects the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids, the facial muscles, and the jaw muscles. It is a long-term condition, but there are effective treatments.

Symptoms
Muscle weakness that gets worse with repeated use is the main sign of myasthenia gravis. Common signs are drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing, and weakness in the arms, hands, neck, or legs. After a prolonged conversation, the face may look blank, and speech may become slurred. In severe cases, the muscles that help you breathe can weaken, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms often change and may get worse at the end of the day or after working out.

Causes
An unusual immune response that blocks or destroys receptors needed for muscle contraction causes myasthenia gravis. This makes it harder for nerves and muscles to talk to each other. People with the condition often have an abnormal thymus gland, which is important for immune system development. In certain instances, the precise catalyst for the immune response remains unidentified.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the person's medical history, a physical exam, and specific tests. Blood tests may detect antibodies linked to myasthenia gravis. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies can help figure out how well muscles respond. CT or MRI scans, and other imaging tests, may be used to evaluate the thymus gland. A person's reaction to certain medicines can also help make a diagnosis.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to make muscles stronger and keep the immune system in check. People often take medicine to improve nerve and muscle communication and to stop abnormal immune responses. Surgical removal of the thymus gland alleviates symptoms or induces long-term remission in numerous patients. When someone is very weak, they may need to go to the hospital and get more advanced care. It is very important to provide supportive care. Most people can control their symptoms well with the right treatment.

Modern treatments have greatly improved the outlook for myasthenia gravis. Many people live active lives with symptoms that are easy to manage. To avoid problems, it's important to get an early diagnosis and keep up with regular checkups. Some patients can go into long-term remission with the right care, even though it is a long-term condition.