What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a disorder that may cause muscles to weaken and tire easily. The disorder can affect muscles that control eye and eyelid movement. This may cause eyelid drooping, or double vision.

Most people who have these eye symptoms of myasthenia may develop weakness in other places in a year or two. This broader form affects the muscles of the face, eyes, arms, and legs. It also affects the muscles used for chewing, swallowing, and talking. It can affect muscles used for breathing. When it does, this is a life-threatening situation known as a myasthenic crisis.

With myasthenia gravis it is typical to have periods of muscle weakness followed by periods of few or no symptoms.