Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common neuromuscular disorder that may occurdue to a genetic defect in the immune system. It causes the muscles of the body, including breathing and swallowing muscles to suddenly become weak. This autoimmune disorder has just recently become known over the last twenty years. Myasthenia gravis can happen to any race, any gender, at any age.In the United States, around 14 to 20 people out of 100,000 people have the disorder or around 60,000 cases. It is believed that the disorder affects many more people, but it tends to be underdiagnosed at this time. It is more common in women than men and hits around the 20’s to 30’s for women and age 50 for men. This article explains myasthenia gravis in detail and outlines treatments, lifestyle changes, and the complications that can occur.
Myasthenia gravis can affect any muscle in the body that is voluntary. These include:
- Eye muscles
- Facial muscles
- Swallowing muscles
Symptoms can come on suddenly out and include:
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble swallowing
- Slurring of speech
- Trouble breathing
- Drooping of eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Trouble walking
When breathing muscles are affected, this is a medical emergency and needs immediate medical attention.