Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease in which the communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted, producing muscle weakness that tends to increase with activity and improve with rest.

Common symptoms:

• Drooping of the eyelids or double vision
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking
• Weakness in the arms, legs, or neck that worsens over the course of the day

Common causes: the immune system interferes with the receptors that receive nerve signals in the muscle; in some cases it is associated with abnormalities of the thymus gland.

When should you see a doctor? If you notice fluctuating weakness, drooping eyelids, or trouble swallowing. The neurologist is the specialist who studies this condition; consulting one in time allows for an orderly evaluation and appropriate follow-up.