Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
Myasthenia gravis symptoms are first noticeable is the weakness of the eye muscles.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles. The name myasthenia gravis comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscle weakness." Today, however, most cases of MG are not as "grave" as the name implies. In fact, most people with MG can expect to live normal or nearly normal lives.
The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during activity and improves after rest. MG often involves muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.
The thymus gland, part of the immune system, is abnormal in most MG cases. Some people with MG have benign (noncancerous) tumors of the thymus gland called thymomas.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis The muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing are most often affected. The onset of the disorder may be sudden. Symptoms often are not immediately recognized as MG.
In most cases, the first noticeable symptom is weakness of the eye muscles. In others, difficulty in swallowing and slurred speech may be the first signs. While rare, first signs of MG can also include difficulty with breathing. The degree of muscle weakness involved in MG varies greatly among persons with this disease. Symptoms, which vary in type and severity, may include:
- Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
- Blurred or double vision (diplopia) due to weakness of the muscles that control eye movements
- Unstable or waddling gait
- Weakness in arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck
- Change in facial expression
- Difficulty in swallowing and shortness of breath
- Impaired speech (dysarthria)
- Shortness of breath
Myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, but it's more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60. Estimates of the number of people with this disorder vary because it can be difficult to diagnose, but it likely affects between two and three people per every 10,000 in the United States.
There's no cure for MG, but treatments are available to help control the symptoms of the condition. Myasthenia
Gravis Symptoms to M
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