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Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that results from a lack of communication between nerves and muscles. MG occurs in all races, both sexes and at any age. It is most common in young adult women and older men. It is not directly inherited nor is it contagious. MG does occasionally occur in more than one member of the same family. It may affect any muscle that is under voluntary control.
Certain muscles are more involved and these include the ones that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, coughing and facial expression. Muscles that control breathing and movements of the arms and legs may also be affected. Weakness of the muscles needed for breathing may cause shortness of breath.

The muscle weakness of MG increases with continued activity and improves after periods of rest. The muscles affected by MG vary greatly from one patient to the next. Weakness may be limited to the muscles controlling eye movement and the eyelids. This is the mildest form of the illness and is called ocular MG. In the severest form, MG involves many of the voluntary muscles of the body including those needed for breathing.

 

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The information on this site is intended to provide the reader with general information to be used solely for educational purposes. As such, it does not address individual patient needs, and should not be used as a basis for decision making concerning diagnosis, care, or treatment of any condition. Instead, such decisions should be based upon the advice of a physician or health care professional who is directly familiar with the patient.
The information contained in this site reflects the views of the authors, but not necessarily those of The Jim L. Walker - Arizona Chapter Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
AZMGFA, its agents, employees, Directors, its Medical/Scientific Advisory Board, and its Nurses Advisory Board or their members make no warranty concerning the information contained within this site. They assume no responsibility for any damage or liability resulting from the use of such information.
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