What's to know about myasthenia gravis?
What's to know about myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a relatively rare neuromuscular disease in which the voluntary muscles easily become tired and weak because there is a problem with how the nerves stimulate the contraction of muscles. It is an autoimmune disorder. "Myasthenia gravis" literally means "grave muscle weakness," but many cases are mild, and life expectancy is normal. The muscles around the eyes tend to be affected first, causing the eyelids to droop. Patients may experience double vision , weakness in the arms and legs, and difficulties chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Involuntary muscles, such as the heart muscles, are not affected. Symptoms often worsen with physical activity and improve after resting or a good night's sleep. There is no cure, but treatment can relieve and even remove symptoms. The condition affects 14 to 20 people in every 100,000 in the United States, or between 36,000 and 60,...